P56S.- 





5 



"Ole Virginny" 



Historical Drama 
in Four Acts 

By T. P. Sullivan 




CHICAGO 
M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY 

1907 



Copyright 1900 

No. 9964 



By T. P 

A ut Jt o r 



Sullivan 

a }i d Proprietor 



J LIBRARY of CONeKESs" 
Two Copies Keceivwj 
JAN 10 ]yo8 
I uopyntm tntrx 




COPYRIGHT— Notice and Warning 



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"Ole Virginny" 

By TIMOTHY PAUL SULLIVAN 
AUTHOR OF PLANTATION STORIES OF THE SOUTH 

SYNOPSIS OF PLAY. 

ACT I. 

Time, July, 1S60. Annandale, Virginia, historic 
homestead on the Rappahannock, full view of the river; 
joy and preparation to receive the two college chums at 
boatlanding. Slaves at wharf to welcome their young 
master, singing: "Carry Me Back to Ole Virginny.'"' 
Reception at Annandale. The insult. Slaves' grand 
jubilee, and Virginia corn shucking. 

ACT II. 
Time, May, 1863, night before the Battle of Chancellors- 
ville. Picket scene and dialogue. Confederate campfire. 
Songs of the war. Reception of Jackson and Stuart at 
the campfire. Defense of United States ford entrusted 
to Colonel Mortimer by General Jackson. Display of the 
great flank movement by Stonewall Jackson on General 
Hooker's rear. Federal campfire. Songs of the Union 
sung again. The attack on the Union Army. Wounding 
of Stonewall Jackson. 

ACT III. 

Time, April, 1865. Scene, Plantation of Annandale. 
Illness of Judge Mortimer. Fidelity of the old slave, 
Eben. Solicitation for the absent son. Recital of the 
battle by Eben. Secret arrival of Colonel Mortimer to 
see his father. Arrested as a prisoner of war. Meeting 
of the two college chums. End of war. Happy denoue- 
ment. 

ACT IV. 
Time, 1870. Enforced mortgage sale of Annandale. 
Return of Eben, the old slave, from England. Redeems 
the old homestead. The old songs again. 



CHARACTERS OF THE PLAY 

Judge Mortimer, owner of Annandale. 

Harry Mortimer, his son. 

Lester Rowland, of Boston, Harry's college chum. 

Jim Gibson, of Cumberland County, Maryland. 

John Churchill, English tourist. 

Eben, slave on Annandale. 

Stonewall Jackson, Lieutenant General Confederate 

Army. 
"Jeb" Stuart, General Confederate Army. 
Captain Turner, Confederate Army. 
Private Moore, Confederate Army. 
Sweeney, Attachee of General Stuart. 
General Lane, Confederate Army. 
General Pender, Confederate Army. 
General Fitzhugh Lee, Confederate Army. 
.Corporal Casy, Federal Army. 
Sergeant Krouse, Federal Army. 
Captain Brown, Federal Army. 
Sheriff, King George County, Virginia. 
Miss Hattie Taylor of Bellgrove, Virginia. 
Miss Crill, Oakenbrow, Virginia. 
Tilda, houseservant on Annandale. 
Monroe, slave on Annandale. 
Federal Picket. 
Confederate Picket. 
Couriers, Staff Officers, Slaves, etc. 



PRELUDE TO PLAY 

No story or play that was ever written by any author, 
whether otscure or noted, but was inspired by some 
incident in real life. 

The injustice of both the social and civil laws of 
France prompted Victor Hugo to write his masterpiece, 
"Les Miserables," and select the main character in that 
book, Jean Valjean, as a victim of such injustice. 
But the story of the present play is of a different character. 
It has for its foundation the unheard of fidelity of an old 
Virginia slave for his young master, and the undis- 
solvable friendship of two college friends, one from the 
North and the other from Virginia, whose loyalily to each 
other during the war between the states equaled any 
bond of friendship ever contracted by man. 

CHAPTER I. 

''Ho! Captain! Captain Pratt! Can you hold your 
boat thirty minutes? I just received a telegram from 
Harry Mortimer of Annandale, Virginia, who states that 
his train is one-half hour late. He is on his way home 
from college with a friend." "Well agent," replied the 
captain, ''while it is against the rules of the company to 
defer the departure of the boat beyond schedule time, but 
since the request comes from young Mortimer I reckon 
in this case I will have to grant it." The above conversa- 
tion took place on a July afternoon 1860, between the 
agent of the Weems' line of steamers at Baltimore and 
the captain of a Rappahannock steamer that plied be- 
tween Baltimore and points on the Rappahannock river, 
as far south as Fredericksburg, Virginia. 

Virginia at the period 1860, was in the midsummer of 
her greatness, both socially and commercially. The 
Rappahannock valley from 1649 to 1670 was peopled by 



6 "OLE VIRGINNY" 

the finest stock of the English race, who were known as 
the Cavaliers. They came from England and many of 
them were given grants of land along that river by King 
Charles of England, and even today the posterity of 
those first settlers are in possession of the original grants 
of the king. Up to the period of 1861 the people along 
the banks of that historic stream boasted of the highest 
civilization in America, and their claims to such a high 
standard of culture and learning could not be very 
well disputed, as their sons were educated at the leading 
universities of England and America. 

There was not a plantation in that section of Virginia 
but had a well stocked library, and the boats that left the 
wharves of the Rappahannock, loaded with tobacco and 
other products from the soil of that state, brought back 
from Europe to the shores of the old dominion all the 
modern innovations in dress, art, science and literature. 
The traditions of Virginia's hospitality are known 
world-wide, and even today should anyone pass through 
the old state they can still detect traces of it in the sons 
and daughters of those departed social-American kings, 
who lived before the beginning of the Civil war. And 
although that blighting conflict destroyed many things 
material of the Virginians, there were, however, social 
attributes of those people that a war of a century could 
not either obliterate or blot out, and those qualities 
were their refinement and chivalry. The plantations 
that dot the banks of the Rappahannock, where the 
scenes of this play originated, bear names today of many 
of the old manors of England. The heart of Virginia's 
hospitality up to the breaking out of the Civil war, laid 
along the banks of the Rappahannock, from Fredericks- 
burg to Tappahnock, Virginia ; and any stranger of a clean 
personality would have a hard time in running the gauntlet 
of an enforced invitation to spend a day or two at one of 
those hospitable Virginia homes. The most noted of 
.hose homesteads that were distinguished for their 



"OLE VIRGINNY" 7 

lavish entertainment of strangers and friends were 
Woodlawn, Bellgrove, Oakenbrow and Annandale, 
near Port Conway on the King George side of the river, 
and Camden on the Carolina side. But the host of hosts 
whose reputation for lavish entertainment and hospital- 
it}^, extending along the entire stretch of tide water, was 
Judge Mortimer of Annandale. 

The judge himself was one of the old stalwart Vir- 
ginians — whose magnetic manners and exalted mind, 
made him respected and admired by all, and whose per- 
sonality was so strikingly welcome, that the latchstring 
of his social mansion was always in sight. He was a 
descendant of Henry Mortimer the original settler, a 
Cavalier who stood in high favor with King Charles of 
England, and whose grant of land, called Annandale, was 
a gift to the original Mortimer by that generous monarch. 
The dimensions or area of Annandale was one and one- 
half miles long and one mile wide, extending from a belt of 
woods in the rear and sloping gradvially down to the river 
front. The homestead, which was one of the old colonial 
order, stood on the brow of the hill and had a sweeping 
and unobstructed view of the Rappahannock river. The 
slaves, which were owned by Judge Mortimer, idolized 
both him and his young son, Harry. His humane and 
kind treatment of them made them devoted to all his 
interests and his two houseservants, Eben and Tilda,, 
surpassed anything ever known in human fidelity, — in 
their unselfish devotion to both their old and young 
master during the four years' war of the rebellion. 

CHAPTER II. 

In the beginning of the first chapter we left young 
Mortimer and his college friend on their way to catch 
the boat at Baltimore for Annandale, on the Rappahan- 
nock. The captain complied with the rec^uest of the agent, 
and the two collegians were happy when they saw the 



8 "OLE VIRGIN NY" 

boat at the wharf in full steam waiting for them. Let 
us see who those two college companions were. One 
was Harry Mortimer, son of Judge Mortimer of King 
George County, Virginia. He just graduated from 
Harvard and bore off the highest honors from that famous 
institution. Young Mortimer was the highest type of 
the southern youth, in honor, manhood and chivalry. 
He was hurrying home to receive the congratulations 
of his father and friends. The other young man was 
Lester Howland, a kindred spirit of the Virginian. His an- 
cestors were of the old puritanical stock that left England 
after Cromwell had settled the aspirations of Charles the 
First. The Howlands of Massachusetts were the most 
distinguished people of that section of America. Young 
Howland was also a companion graduate and classmate 
of the Virginian. They both formed a friendship in their 
freshman year and continued it up to graduating time. 

It was of the Damien-Pythias order, and the test of 
their friendship will be demonstrated in the four acts of 
the play. The both young men had alternated in their 
summer vacations in the four years of their college 
course. Mr. Howland spending two in Virginia and Mr. 
Mortimer spending two in Boston. As both had finished 
their university life and were to separate for their dif- 
ferent vocations in life, the Virginian insisted that Mr. 
Howland should go with him to Virginia and spend a 
few months on the Rappahannock with his father and 
friends, reminding him that it would be a fit ending to 
their long friendship. 

We will now leave the two friends on the boat on its 
course to the waters of the Rappahannock to be welcomed 
home by friends and slaves, and we will open the first 
act of the play on the plantation of Annandale to hear 
and see the nature of the welcome to the two young 
friends. 



"OLE VIRGINNY 



» 



ACT I. 

Exterioi of Annandale. July, 1860, Colonial building, 
negro cabins in rear. Rappahannock river in full view. 
[Enter Judge Mortivier and John Churchill, laughing.] 

Judge — Mr. Churchill, will you. honor me by becoming 
the guest of Annandale while you are in this part of 
Virginia? 

Churchill — Judge Mortimer, the cordiality of your 
invitation leaves me no other alternative than to accept. 

Judge — [Extending his hand.] That answer, sir, has 
the right ring. Nothing pleases a Virginian more than 
the acceptance of his hospitality. 

Churchill — That trait is characteristic of your 
people, Judge. 

Judge— I feel very happy today, Mr. Churchill. My 
son is to return from" the North after ending his college 
life at Harvard in a blaze of glory. 

Churchill — Such a son. Judge, is an honor. 

Judge — I feel it, and to show my appreciation of his 
brilliant ending, I am to make him sole heir of Annandale. 

Churchill — Is he your only son. Judge? 

Judge— He is the only living member of my family, 
and he has but one relative, Miss Crill of Oakenbrow. 
[Looking hack towards the house.] Eben! 
[Enter Eben.] 

Eben — Here I is, Massa. 

Judge — Eben, I received a letter this morning from 
your young master, stating that he would arrive today 
on the Baltimore boat. His college friend, Mr. Howland,' 
will be with him. Have all the negroes don their holiday 
dress in honor of their young master's return. 



10 "OLE VIRGINNY" 

Eben — 'Deed I will, Massa. I am done dyin' to see- 
my young massa. 

Judge — Mr. Churchill, allow me to give you a sight of 
a real ripened Virginia peach orchard. 

Churchill — With pleasure, Judge. It will be quite 
a treat indeed for an Englishman. 

[Exit Judge and Churchill.'] 

Eben — Dis whole plantation will go wild today. 
{Looking toivards the door.] You Tilda ! 

TiLda — [Putting head out of the kitchen ivindoiv.} 
What's de matter, Eben? 

Eben — Done tell you good news. Massa Jedge jes 
got a letter from Massa Harry, dat he am comin' down 
on dis very boat from Baltimore, and Mistah Howland, 
dat Yankee man dat was here las' time, am done comin' 
wid him. 

Tilda — Hush! You aint talkin' husband? 

Eben — Yes, I is. Massa Jedge jes read de letter dat 
he am comin' down on de boat. 

Tilda — My goodness, Eben. We mus' have every- 
thing in gorgeous style to please our young massa, to 
show him dat we done love him. I like Mistah Howland, 
de Yankee man, but I never did like dat Mistah Gibson, 
of Maryland, who is over stopping at Walsingham. 

Eben — Woman, hush! Mistah Gibson only come 
down to dis yere parts to see Miss Taylor of Bellgrove. 
He am jes smitten wid her, dats all. 

Tilda — You better stop talking dat old honey-way 
and prepare to meet Massa Harry. Only woman knows 
de secrets of de heart. 

Eben — You didn't know de secrets of my heart before 
you done married me. 

Tilda — Secrets of your heart ! I never done see such 
a honeybee round a beehive in my life as you was 
before I done married you. [Looking to the left towards 
the yard.] Monroe! Tell all dem darkies to put on deir 
barbecue does. You Zena, have dem pickaninnies in 



"OLE VIRGINNY" 11 

deir yaller aprons. Young Massa Harry am coming 
down on de boat. 

[Enter Monroe, turning flip flap.] 

Monroe — Yes, mam. [Exit Monroe.] 

Tilda — -You talk about knowin' de secrets of de heart, 
don't you know dat Miss Taylor of Bellgrove is kinder 
pert and sweet on our young massa? 

Eben— Done thought dere was a little sweetness 
between dem, but I do know dere is a little honeybee of 
love playin' between Miss Crill of Oakenbrow and Mistah 
Howland, de Yankee man from Boston. 

Tilda — Dere you go again. You men know nothing 
of de wishes of de heart. I overheard Mistah Rowland 
tell de las' time he was down here dat his sweetheart was 
in Boston, but Miss Crill did say one day to Miss Taylor 
dat do she never did like Yankee men, if she .ever did 
marry one, Mistah Howland would be her choice. 

Eben — Why, Miss Crill is old enough to be Mistah 
Rowland's grandmother. She is what de white folks 
call an old maiden woman. 

[Enter Miss Crill] 

Tilda i Good day, Miss Crill. 

Crill — Good day. The Judge has just informed me 
that Harry and Mr. Howland will be here today on the 
Baltimore boat. She cannot be far away. Harry and 
Mr. Howland must be well received. 

Tilda — Dat am de truf. Miss Crill. 

Crill — Eben, bring the best singers of the plantation 
to the wharf and sing some sweet song as the boat is 
coming to the landing. 

Eben — 'Deed I will. Miss Crill. We will sing "Carry 
Me Back to Ole Virginny." 

Crill — That is the song. 

Tilda — Better go on dere. husband. I think I hear 
dem paddles up de ribber. [Exit Eben and Tilda.] 
[Enter Miss Taylor.] 



12 "OLE VIRGINNY'' 

Taylor — Good day, Miss Crill, I hope you feel happy» 

Grill — Why should I not? This indeed will be a 
joyful day and night for Annandale — all in honor of 
Harry's return from college. 

Taylor — We all feel happy, and the Judge himself 
feels as joyful as a young boy. 

Grill — The news of Harry's coming has set the 
negroes of Annandale wild with joy, and nothing is talked 
of amongst them but the return home from college of 
their young master. 

Taylor — The Boston papers paid a high tribute to 
Harry and especially to the tone of his valedictory. 

Grill — I am delighted to hear that Mr. Howland, 
Harry's classmate, is coming down again with him to be 
his guest, and although I have heard a great deal of 
Yankee abruptness and uncouthness, I will say, Miss 
Hattie, if Mr. Howland is a sample of Yankeeland, I think 
that the people of that section have been badly misrepre- 
sented. 

Taylor — [Laughing.] We must not believe every- 
thing we hear about any people. Miss Grill. 

Grill — I see Mr. Gibson is continuing his visit at 
Walsingham. He must be infatuated with someone on> 
this side of the Rappahannock. 

Taylor — Mr. Gibson took dinner at Bellgrove, 
yesterday, and said he would defer his departure for- 
Maryland until Harry returned home. 

Grill — Miss Hattie, I am always considered odd and 
quaint by all you people in King George Gounty, but I 
will say that Mr. Gibson is one of the most envious and 
jealous persons that has ever visited this part of Virginia. 
He seems to be bored if anyone speaks complimentary of 
Harry Mortimer. 

Taylor — That may be true, Miss Grill, but we Vir- 
ginians must look upon everyone as a gentleman until we 
find him different. Mr. Gibson is reputed to be from. 



"OLE VIRGINNY" 13 

an excellent family in Maryland, and he has kinfolks on 
the Carolina side of the Rappahannock. 

Crill — I will have to be going now, Miss Hattie, as 
you know, how these negroes of Oakenbrow will act when 
they hear of the great joy that is to be here at Annandale. 
[Looking towards house.] Tilda! 

[Enter Tilda.] 

Tilda — Yes, mam. 

Crill — Send Monroe over to Oakenbrow. I want 
to give him a jar of blackberry wine for the company 
tonight. 

Tilda— 'Deed I will, Miss Crill. [Exit Tilda.] 

Crill — Goodby, Miss Taylor, you will have to excuse 
me for a while. 

Taylor — Certainly. 

[Exit Crill. Eiiter Gibson.] 

Gibson — Good day, Miss Taylor. 

Taylor — [Bowing.] Good day, Mr. Gibson. 

Gibson — What is all this stir, gaiety and life, I notice 
among the Annandale darkies? 

Taylor — Judge Mortimer received a letter from 
Harry, stating that he and Mr. Rowland would arrive on 
today's boat from Baltimore. 

Gibson — Ah ! Indeed ? 

Taylor — The Judge is delighted at the brilliant 
ending of his son at Harvard. From the accounts given 
in the Boston papers, Harry must be one of the most dis- 
tinguished students at the college. 

Gibson — Miss Taylor, a man may shine brilliantly at 
college, yet in practical life never rise above mediocrity. 

Taylor — [Looking slightly indignant.] That may be 
the exception, Mr. Gibson, not the rule. The young man 
who shows brilliant talents at college will in after life 
rise equal to the demands of any position, if those quali- 
fications are backed by natural ability and good charac- 
ter. 



14 "OLE VIRGIN NY" 

Gibson — I understand that this will be the third visit 
of Mr. Rowland to Virginia. 

Taylor — I believe it is, sir. 

Gibson — Do you know, Miss Taylor, that during the 
many conversations I have had with Mr. Rowland, I 
noticed that sometimes he vinwittingly dropped remarks 
that savored of that old New England prejudice towards 
Virginia. 

Taylor — Mr. Gibson, Mr. Rowland has been the guest 
of Annandale for six weeks each of two summers, and in 
all his affiliations with the people on both sides of the 
Rappahannock, we have ever found him a wellbred and 
polished gentleman. 

[Enter Tilda.] 

Tilda — [Excitedly.] Miss Taylor, de boat am comin' 
down de ribber. I see de smoke. [Exit Tilda.] 

Gibson — You will excuse me, Miss Taylor. I'll have 
to leave. 

Taylor — Why, won't you waitimtil Mr. Rowland and 
Rarry arrive? 

Gibson — I have an engagement with a friend, but 
will return again today. Goodby. 

Taylor — [Bowing.] Goodby. 
[Exit Gibson.] 
[Enter Judge, Churchill and Crill.] 

Judge — All is happiness today, Miss Taylor. Allow 
me to introduce you to Mr. Churchill, of London, England. 

Taylor — I am delighted to meet you, Mr. Churchill, 
and I welcome you to our section of the country. [Both 
advance and shake hands.] 

Churchill — Delighted I am to meet you, Miss Taylor. 

Judge — Mr. Churchill is visiting Virginia, and he has 
consented to be a guest of Annandale for some time. 
[Boat ivhistles.] 
[Enter Tilda.] 

Tilda — Massa Jedge, de boat am comin' right down 
by Annandale. [Exit Tilda in excitement.] 



'VLE VIRGIN NY" 15 

Judge — Let us wave Harry and his friend a welcome. 
[All take handkerchiefs, and Judge places glasses to his eyes.] 
That is Harry. He is waving back to us. 

Crill — Yes, it is Harry ! See, Mr. Howland is waving 
also. [Boat passes out of sight on way to wharf.] 

Judge — Mr. Churchill, we Virginians have an open 
way of welcome, with no conventional stiff manners, so 
we want you to make yourself at home in the traditional 
spirit of our people. 

Churchill— Judge, Thackeray has made us English 
fully acquainted with the hospitality and manners of 
your people. I feel honored to be a guest of Annandale. 

Taylor— Mr. Churchill, I hope you will honor Bell- 
grove with a visit before you leave the King George side 
of the Rappahannock. 

Crill — Oakenbrow also will expect a little. of your 
time, Mr. Churchill. 

Churchill — Why bless my heart, it will be hard to 
get away from you Virginians. 

[Singing heard in the distance. All listen and look 
towards the road.] 

Judge — There they come! Look how proud old 
Eben looks. He is carrying Harry's satchel. 

[Enter Harry, Rowland and slaves with valises, umbrel- 
las, etc.] 

Judge — My dear son. [Embraces Harry. Exchange 
of courtesies all around.] Harry, my son, this is Mr. 
Churchill of London, England, he is a guest of Annandale 

Harry — Pleased to meet you, Mr. Churchill. [Shake 
hands.] 

Churchill — I am delighted to know you, Mr. Morti- 
mer. 

Judge — Mr. Churchill, allow me to introduce you to 
Mr. Howland of Boston. He is my son's classmate and 
friend. [Both advance and shake hands.] 

Howland — I am glad to make your acquaintance, 
Mr. Churchill. 



16 ''OLE VIRGIN NY" 

Churchill — And pleased am I to meet you, Mr. 
Howland. 

[Slaves exit with baggage.] 

Taylor — I hope Mr. Howland that this will not be 
your last visit to Virginia. We have enjoyed your trips 
to our section very much, but as you have finished your 
college course, I am afraid that we will not see so much 
of you. 

Howland — Oh, yes you will. Miss Taylor. You 
Virginians are so hospitable that to meet you once is never 
to forget you. [Turning to Miss CrilL] Miss Crill, you 
should pay a visit to the North some time. I have been 
telling my people all about Harry's aunt and they have 
expressed a great desire to see you. 

Harry — That is true, Mr. Howland, aunt ought to 
visit Boston. I know she would like the Yankees better. 

Judge — Friends, will you please pardon our absence 
for a while? 

Taylor — Certainly, Judge. 

[Exit Judge, Harry, Churchill and Crill.] 

Howland — Miss Taylor, what the future has in store 
for me I don't know. The immortal bard says that 
"there is a divinity which shapes our ends rough hew 
them how we may," but I will say with all sincerity and 
true candor that in future life I will look back to the 
vacations I spent along the Rappahannock as the happiest 
days of my existence. 

Taylor — I am delighted to hear you say so, Mr. 
Howland. I hope your trip down the river was quite 
pleasant. 

Howland — Very pleasant, indeed. 

Taylor — I never saw Harry look so happy. 

Howland — King George should indeed be proud of 
him. His brilliant talents, added to his magnetic manners, 
have made him one of the most popular students of 
Harvard. 



''OLE VIRGIN NY" 17 

Taylor — We are indeed proud of the honors bestowed 
upon him at college. 

[Eiiter Harry.'] 

Taylor — {Advancing and taking his hands.] One 
more welcome to your home on the Rappahannock 

Harry — And this time to stay for good. 

Taylor — Pleased and proud we are to see you. We 
read all about your brilliant ending at Harvard. 

Harry — Miss Taylor, my classmate here, Mr. How- 
land, was more distinguished than myself, but his modesty 
forbears him to speak of it. 

Taylor — Modesty is ever characteristic of great men. 
[Enter Eben.] 

Eben — 'Sense me, Mr. Howland, but de strap done 
broke on your trunk when we was liftin' it into de room, 
and dere is confusion among de darkies how dey should 
put dem back. 

[All laugh.] 

Ho^VLAND — You will pardon me? 

Taylor — Certainly. 

[Exit Howland and Eben.] 

Harry — My dear Hattie. It is nearly one year since 
I left Annandale, but in my daily mail at Cambridge I 
always looked first over the letters to see which one bore 
your familiar handwriting. Today, as the boat passed 
from wharf to wharf, coursing down the river towards 
home, my heart leaped with joy when I came in sight of 
Annandale and saw you all waving me a welcome to my 
old home. 

Taylor — Yes, Harry, and no one counted the months, 
weeks and days of your coming with greater exactness 
and zeal than your little sweetheart of Bellgrove. 

Harry — I learned at the wharf that Mr. Gibson is 
down here. 

Taylor — Yes, he is a guest at Walsingham. 

Harry — Hattie, my dear, I did not like Mr. Gibson's 
manner towards Mr. Howland on his last visit here. His 



18 "OLE VIRGIN NY'' 

attitude towards me has been sometimes strange and odd, 
but for that I care not. He is a Marylander and should 
know that there is one thing a Virginian will not tolerate, 
and that is an insult to nis guest, either by manner or 
word. 

Taylor — My dear Harry, don't let anything disturb 
this great day and night of joy. Mr. Gibson's conduct is 
sometimes strange, but all people have their peculiar- 
ities. Now dear, you will excuse me for the present, as 
I will have to go over to Bellgrove to prepare matters for 
the evening, so goodby until later. 
[Exit Taylor.] 

Harry — There goes the sweetest girl on earth. I 
think, Mr. 'Gibson, your stay on the Rappahannock is 
prolonged by your admiration for Miss Hattie Taylor. 

[Enter Eben and Harry looks delighted as he sees him.] 

Eben — I done come to tell you, Massa Harry, dat dere 
is to be a grand feast and corn shuckin' here tonight 
amongst all de darkies of Annandale, Oakenbrow, Wood- 
lawn and Walsingham, all in honor of Annandale's young 
massa who has done come home after beating dem all at 
college. [Harry laughs.] Don't you done believe, Massa 
Harry, dat all de roosters on de plantation am gobblin', 
de turkeys am crowin' and de pickaninnies am turnin' 
flip 'flaps, cause deir young massa am come back. I 
declar, Massa Harry, look yonder [pointing his finger] see 
your ridin' hoss, Plrebug, lookin' over die fence in dis 
way. He knows you done come home. 

Harry — It is true, Eben, he is looking this way. It 
may be animal instinct. I will soon go down to the field 
and receive his congratulations. Eben, you will find in 
that large box, that was brougnt from the wharf, some 
presents for Tilda, yourself and the negroes. 

Eben— Bress your honey heart. You done never did 



forgit us. 



[Exit Eben and enter Judge.] 



"OLE VIRGINNY" 19 

Judge — My dear son, I must take your hand again 
and say that the name of Mortimer, of Old King George, 
will be perpetuated by you in its highest chivalry and 
loftiest standard, when I am gone. My son, what do 
they say North of Buchanan's latest act, and the new 
party that has been formed, who, it is claimed, will inter- 
fere with state rights? 

Harry— Father, some of the Northern papers are 
bitter, while others are conservative and conciliatory, yet 
with that same delicacy of feeling that actuated Mr. 
Rowland from touching on the sections and their different 
theories, the very same feeling deterred me from broach- 
ing any subject that would tend to embarrass my friend, 
especially as he's my guest. 

Judge — [Slapping his son on the shoulder.] A real 
Virginian and a thorough and wellbred gentleman. Mr. 
Ho wland is our guest and it may be his last visit here. No 
real gentleman will touch on any subject that is displeas- 
ing to those they are entertaining. 

Harry — Father, I am anxious to go down to the 
field to see the negroes and to receive the welcome of 
Firebug. Won't you come with me? 

Judge — Certainly, my son. We will go together. 
[Exit both Judge and Harry.] 
[Enter Ehen with box.] 
Eben— Tilda, Tilda! 

[Enter Tilda.] ' 

Tilda— What is it Eben? 

Eben — Come here woman. See dose nice presents 
our young massa done brought us from Baltimore. 
[Slaiies peeping.] 

Tii^D A— [Picking one out.] My lands, what a honey- 
sugar plum Massa Harry is. He done know my weakness 
for colors. [Laugh in the bushes.] Wonder if dem 
chillen am strayin' round here? 

Eben — Wife, you mus' have all dem darkies fixed 
up tonight, as all dc white folks am comin' from all de 



20 ''OLE VIRGIN NY" 

plantations to welcome Massa Harry home, and to hear 
de singin' of all de darkies on de plantation. 

Tilda — [Picking out two handkerchiefs.] Sure as you 
are born, husband, here are handkerchiefs for little Zena 
and Ike. 

Eben — Look here woman. Here am my present, 
svire enough. Here am a deacon's coat. Now, how did 
Massa Harry done know dat I was made a deacon at de 
las' bush meetin'? 

Tilda — Why, husband, Massa Harry done know dat 
you got religion, at de las' revival meetin' at Oakenbrow. 

Eben — How did he know I was made a deacon? 

Tilda — Why, man, don't you know dat preacher 
Jackson, de new pastor on de Caroline side done told 
massa jedge dat you was done raised to a deacon fer 
convertin' dat hard sinner. Bill Wilson of Bellgrove, and 
makin' him go to de mourner's bench? 

Eben — Well, I declare. 

Tilda — I done see Mistah Gibson yisteday pick up 
flowers in de garden an' hand dem to Miss Taylor. , 

Eben — It makes no diffunce where dat man walks 
wid Miss Taylor, her heart am bound up wid our young 
Massa Harry. 

Tilda — Now, you is talkin' husband, and Massa Harry 
done love her, too. 

Eben — Yes, and dey match jes like two turtle doves. 

Tilda — Man don't know de human heart like a woman. 
Dat Mistah Gibson has badness in his heart for our young 
massa. 

Eben — Dat is what I think. 

Tilda — You done know everything when I tell you. 
[Enter Judge.] 

Judge — Eben, see that everything is ready for to- 
night. Tell all the negroes on Annandale that they are 
to have a holiday tomorrow, in honor of their young 
master's return. 



"OLE VIRGIN NY" 21 

Eben and Tilda — Thank you, Massa Jedge! 
[Exit Tilda and Ehen and enter Rowland.] 

Rowland — Judge Mortimer, Annandale has donned 
its hohday garb in honor of its young master. What an 
easy and poetical atmosphere you Virginians live in. 
Today my bosom throbbed with joy when I heard the 
voices of the slaves singing: "Carry Me Back to Ole Vir- 
ginny." It seemed like reading a page from fiction. 

Judge — Mr. Howland, with Virginians, the personality 
of a man ranks higher than nationality or wealth. When 
that is all right, he has free access to our hearts and homes. 
In the last four years, you and my son have alternated 
in your summer vacations — he spending two in Boston, 
and you two here in Virginia. You both have ended 
your college life, and this may be the last time I will ever 
see you again, as man has no lease on life. Human affairs 
take many shapes as years roll on. It is only the discern- 
ing and philosophical mind that can detect the tendency 
of the times. The solid friends of one year become some- 
times the bitterest enemies in the next, if conditions and 
self-interests change. You and Harry have been class- 
mates for four years, and that length of time seems to have 
cemented you both into a solid and inseparable friend- 
ship. Although I never had the good fortune of seeing 
your parents, yet I know the ancestral history of the 
Howlands of Massachusetts who left England a little 
before the Mortimers of Virginia. 

Howland — Yes, Judge. Father told me his ancestors 
were amongst the Puritans that left England right after 
the great civil war between the king and parliament, 
and further stated that one of them, named Ed- 
ward Howland, distinguished himself at the Battle of 
Marston Moor. 

Judge — Correct, my dear friend, and on the other 
hand, the Mortimers who came to Virginia after that 
terrible conflict were known as the Cavaliers. They were 
also participants in that civil war, and the head of th£|,t 



22 "OLE VIRGIN NY" 

family was Henry Mortimer, whose valor was conspic- 
uous at the Battle of Edge Hill, under Prince Rupert. 
This land on the Rappahannock, known as Annandale, 
was a special grant of King Charles of England to Henry 
Mortimer, who was the founder of this house. He was 
my great ancestor, and his name is perpetuated in my 
son Harry, but strange to say, Mr. Howland, he fought 
on the opposite side to your people. I have now given 
you the genealogical history of the Mortimers, and I hope 
that nothing in life will sever the friendship of Harry and 
yourself. 

Howland — Judge, I assure you that no matter what 
may come up in the future, the sacred tie of friendship 
between Harry and myself will stand all tests. 

Judge — I am glad to hear you say so, Mr. Howland. 
Hope you will kindly excuse me for a while. 

Howland — Certainly, Judge. 

[Exit Judge.] 

Howland — Grand, proud and exalted old Roman, 
one of the last of the chivalrous and magnanimous Vir- 
ginians. With what care and delicacy he brougiit before 
my vision the pending storm. Could history repeat itself 
that the same blood and social ties that met each other 
in deathly conflict in England should meet again on 
American soil for other causes. Oh, no! Absurd! 
Fanaticism will die out, and those firebrands on both 
sides will be extinguishecl by the cool logic of men of both 
sections. 

[Enter Harry.] 

Harry — What Lester! In somber thought? Let 
that for the outside world. The negroes of the surround- 
ing plantations are to give us tonight a real Virginia corn 
shucking scene, and the songs and dances of the old Vir- 
ginia darky. 

Howland — Indeed, it would be a novel sight for people 
of my section of the country to witness. 



"OLE VIRGIN NY" 23 

Harry — Well, Lester, it may be a long time before 
I see you again in Virginia, and I want to make your stay 
this time a continuous round of pleasure and gaiety. 

Rowland — Harry, you are a happy mortal. Your 
magnetic personality is the cause of it all. Even the 
dumb beasts of the field realize that someone has come 
to Annandale that has thrown a ray of sunshine over all. 
Today, as the boat drew near the wharf, I saw upon the 
faces of those slaves a genuine love for their young master 
that could be compared only to the children of the sun 
who used to bow their heads in sacred worship as he 
began his rise in the early morn. Why, that old slave 
Eben would lay down his life for you. 

Harry — Lester, my father has always been kind to 
his slaves, and I have tried to follow in his footsteps. 

HowLAND — As I rode by Bellgrove, some time ago, I 
noticed Mr. Gibson sitting on the porch with Miss Taylor. 

Harry — I have heard that he has been down here for 
some time as a guest of Walsingham. 

Howl AND — I noticed his attentions to Miss Taylor 
were rather marked on my last visit here, but there is no 
disguising the fact. Miss Taylor loves but one man, and 
he is the heir of Annandale. 

Harry — And there is but one girl that he loves, and 
that is Hattie Taylor, of Bellgrove. 

HowLAND — She is indeed worthy of your love, and 
there may be a race between us as to who will be married 
first, you to Miss Taylor or I to Miss Jennie Haw^kins of 
Cambridge, Massachusetts. 

Harry — Oh! You old sly fox. You never spoke of 

that before, though to quote old Tilda, the houseservant, 

"I noticed a honeybee of love playing between you both" 

on my last visit with you to Miss Hawkins' home. 

[Exit both Rowland and Harry.] 

[Enter Judge and Churchill.] 

Churchill — Judge Mortimer, I must say that I am 
thoroughly fascinated with the manners of your house- 



24 "OLE VIRGIN NY" 

servant, Eben, and when I return to England I would 
like to take him along as my bodyservant. 

Judge — [Laughing.] Ah! Mr. Churchill, that would 
be a rather difficult matter, as I believe he would grieve 
himself to death to be away any length of time from his 
young master. 

Churchill — I notice that he is greatly attached to 
him. 

Judge — Mr. Churchill, Eben is a free negro and his 
freedom papers were given to him by myself for a piece of 
heroism and fidelity in saving the life of his young master. 

Churchill — Ah! Indeed? 

Judge — When Harry was about eight years of age, 
Eben was rowing him over the river from the Carolina 
side. The boy in reaching over the side of the boat to 
pick up something from the water fell overboard. The 
faithful old slave first reached an oar, but as soon as Harry 
clutched, it broke. In his mad frenzy to save my son, 
he leaped into the water and grappled him, but as the 
slave was only a fair swimmer, his strength was gradually 
giving away with the encumbrance of the boy, who held 
him closely around the neck, but the old slave faithfully 
struggled to the boat and grasped the side of it. With 
one hand holding the side of the boat and the other 
around the boy, he was finally rescued by people from the 
Fort. Conway side who witnessed the whole incident from 
the shore. 

Churchill — What an extraordinary piece of heroism 
in a mere slave. 

Judge — The most peculiar, and yet the most humor- 
ous act of Eben's was when I wanted to give him his free- 
dom papers for his noble act. In fact, he refused them. 
The whole plantation was astounded at his manner in 
positively refusing to be set free. He had an idea that 
freedom meant separation from both his masters, so he 
cried and begged not to be made a free negro, as he wanted 
to belong to his old home while he lived, and then again 



"OLE VIRGIN NY'' 25 

he always looked down on a free negro, as he believed 
they were guilty of some misdemeanor. 

Churchill — What a wonderful and devoted black 
man he is. 

Judge — However, Mr. Churchill, I have made a 
record of his freedom at King George Court House. 

Churchill — Judge, this is my first trip to America. 
I am a retired business man of no family, and but one 
relative, who has extensive estates in Lancashire, England. 
I have at present large interests in India and British 
Guiana, but I have instructed my agents there to close 
them out. My income at present is very large and my 
physician in London advised me entirely to dispense with 
business cares and go to America for a year or two for 
my health. Although I do not look it, Judge, my health 
IS very bad. 

Judge — I hope, Mr. Churchill, that you will regain 
some of your strength here in America, and I think there 
is no better place to recuperate than here in Old Virginia. 

Churchill — I believe it, Judge, as I feel somewhat 
better since I came over. 

Judge — What do they think in England of the trend 
of political affairs in the United States at present? 

Churchill — To be candid, Judge, the best thinkers 
in England fear that there will be trouble yet between 
the states. 

Judge — What! A civil war! That would be frat- 
ricidal — it would be a national calamity, Mr. Churchill. 

Churchill — I would be sorry to see any trouble be- 
tween people of the same blood, but yet, you know, Judge, 
of our two great civil wars in England — one the War of 
the Roses, that lasted twenty years and, the other be- 
tween parliament and Charles the First. 

Judge — Virginia, particularly, would deplore such an 
issue. 

Churchill — Would it be too bold and embarrassing a 
question. Judge, in my asking you what position do you 



26 ''OLE VIRGINNY'' 

think Virginia would take should serious trouble arise 
between the Northern and Southern states? 

Judge — Ah! My dear friend, that is a question that 
an humble son of A'irginia, at present, would find too per- 
plexing to answer. 

Churchill — You know, Judge, there are strong ties 
between England and Virginia. 

Judge — There should be, for even this soil on which 
we stand was a special grant to a great ancestor of mine 
from King Charles of England. 

Churchill — The Old Dominion has indeed a grand 
record behind her. 

Judge — A state that gave American liberty a Washing- 
ton, and that was prominent in building up a republic 
now great and still growing, would look with pain and 
horror upon its dissolution, but whatever course Virginia 
takes, should a crisis ^rise, you may rest assured, Mr. 
Churchill, she will be actuated only by principle and 
honesty of purpose. 

Churchill — Noble sentiments, indeed. Judge Morti- 
mer. 

[Enter Eben.] 

Eben — Massa Jedge, clere am ladies and gemmen in 
de parlor, dat wish to see you and Mistah Churchill. 

Judge — We will go in, Mr. Churchill. 

[Exit Judge, Churchill and Eben.] 
[Eyiter Gibson.] 

Gibson — The parlors of Annandale are crowded. All 
the plantations will be represented tonight in honor of 
Harry Mortimer's return. How I hate the popularity of 
this man, and especially as he stands between me and the 
girl I love. That Yankee Howland I also despise. He 
does not even know what an insult is. Tonight will tell 
whether Miss Taylor looks favorably on my suit or not. 
I'll put her to the test. 

[Enter Taylor.] 



"OLE VIRGINNY" ' 27 

Taylor— Why, you here alone, Mr. Gibson. I thought 
you were to bring Miss Williams of Walsingham to see 
the jubilee. 

Gibson— No, Miss Taylor, I am not interested in Miss 
Williams. 

Taylor— Ah ! Indeed ? 

Gibson— I hear that there are quite a number of 
people coming from Port Royal. 

Taylor — Yes, J\Ir. Gibson, the Mortimers have made 
Annandale the most talked of plantation on the lower 
Rappahannock for its hospitality. 

Gibson— The Judge himself is an admirable character. 

Taylor — He is a true type of the exalted Virginian, 
who respects everyone's opinion, but despises deceit and 
hypocrisy. 

Gibson— Miss Taylor, this is my third visit to King 
George, and it may possibly be my last. It may be bold 
in me to say that my admiration of you has exceeded the 
ordinary bounds of the casual friend in its warmth and 
ardor. As you are aware, I have distinguished relatives 
on the Carolina side of the river. My home is a beau- 
tiful country seat in Cumberland County, Maryland. 
I am the only son of Robert Gibson, whose ancestors 
were among the first settlers of that state. While we 
never owned slaves, our estates are so large and remunera- 
tive that our income is sufficient to maintain us in perfect 
security from any adversity through life. Miss Hattie, 
I confess to you that I love you dearly, and ask you to 
become my wife. [Going through the manner of the usual 
suitor.] 

Taylor— Mr. Gibson, I have listened to the recital 
of your lineage and earthly possessions, but were you the 
heir of the richest estates on earth, and your blood 
descended from the Caesars, I would have to politely 
decline your proffer of marriage. What hospitality and 
polite attention I have shown you at Bellgrove was done 
in the traditional spirit of a Virginia girl. If you have 



28 "OLE VIRGIN NY" 

construed those attentions to other than the proverbial 
spirit of our people, you have been mistaken. I hope, 
Mr. Gibson, you will consider this answer no slight but 
the polite refusal of a girl who wishes to marry only the 
man she loves. 

[Enter Rowland.'] 

Rowland — Good evening, all. The roads from Port 
Conway are lined with vehicles all directed towards 
Annandale. {Looking at Gibson.] Are you not going to 
see the slaves' jubilee, Mr. Gibson? 

Gibson — Such things may suit your vulgar tastes 
and people from your section of the country, but not mine. 
[Enter Harry in rear listening to last sentence.] 

Rowland — [Looking sharp and indignant at Gibson 
and moving towards him.] Mr. Gibson, whether the 
nature of the entertainment pleases me or people from 
my section of the country, it matters not. The spirit of 
the whole occasion is in honor of the genial young master 
of Annandale. 

Taylor — Mr. Gibson, your manner is not what it 
should be to a guest of this plantation. 

Gibson — My manner. Miss Taylor, is a matter of inter- 
pretation, on which Mr. Rowland can place his own 
construction. 

Rowland — [Looking defiant.] My interpretation of 
your manner, sir, is that it is grossly insulting and a lady's 
presence prevents me from resenting it. 

Rarry — [With wrathful look, moving forward, and 
facing Gibson.] It is my duty to resent any insult offered 
to a guest of my home. [Addressing Miss Taylor.] Miss 
Taylor, will you kindly withdraw for a moment? 

Taylor — [Leaving.] Rarry, my dear, discretion. 
[Exit Taylor.] 

Rarry — [Throwing a withering look at Gibson.] Mr. 
Gibson, there is one sacred social law that a Virginian will 
not allow to be violated, and that is the law of politeness 
and respect to his guest. You have violated that law in 



'VLE VIRGINNY" 29 

insulting my honored guest, and I demand that you 
apologize to Mr. Rowland for your insult. 

Gibson — I refuse! {Haughtily. '\ 

Harry — Then you are not a gentleman, but a coward, 
and I want you to leave here at once. Go ! 

{Enter Judge, Crill, Taylor, Churchill, and all.'\ 

Gibson — [Leaving.'] I'll go, Mr. Mortimer, but there 
may come a time when I may be able to dictate to you 
on this very ground. {Exit Gibson.] 

Judge — {Advancing towards his son.] What is the 
cause of this scene, my son? 

Harry — Father, Mr. Gibson insulted Mr. Howland 
right in the presence of Miss Taylor, and I would be un- 
worthy to be called a "Virginian" if I did not resent it. 

Judge — Right, my boy. You are only demanding 

the time-honored deference and respect of your people 

towards their guests. Ladies and gentleman, let us all 

retire to allow the negroes to get ready for their jubilee. 

{Exit all hut Eben and Tilda.] 

Eben — Mr. Gibson got stung dat time from our young 
massa. 

Tilda — An' didn't Miss Taylor sting him, too, when 
he was pestering her about marriage? 

Eben — I done told you I never did like dat man, Mistah 
Gibson. I never done courted you dat way did I, Tilda? 

Tilda — You had done better not, I would have stung 
you worse dan Miss Taylor stung Mr. Gibson, but I mus' 
say dat you was de mos' jealous bee dat I ever see. 

Eben — When was I jealous? • 

Tilda — Don't you remember, man, before I done 
married you, at de big barbecue dat was given by de 
Woodlawn darkies when big Bill Jackson, who am now 
over at Canning, asked me to dance wid him, and put his 
arms around my neck, why your two eyes looked like coals 
in de stove, and dat whole night you never done leave 
my side ? 



30 "OLE VIRGIN NY" 

Eben — Never mind talkin' about clem old foolish days 
of man. You yourself was a jealous bird. 

Tilda — When was I jealous? 

Eben — Don't you remember at de big ball at Bell- 
grove, when Phoebe Green done gib me a red handkerchief 
for a New Year's gift, you done tore it to pieces, and you 
told dat gal she better stay over on her own plantation? 
Dat's what you did. 

TiLDA^ — Stop talkin' boutdem old giddy days of woman. 
Let us git everything nice fer tonight. We want to show 
Massa Harry dat de Annandale niggers will win de prizes. 

Eben — Mr. Rowland is a nice man if he am a Yankee 
man. I done like him next to Massa Harry. 

Tilda — Now, you is talkin' old man. 
[Singing heard in the distance from the slaves of the incoming 
plantations.] 

Eben — Here dey all come, Tilda. 

[Slaves enter, general hand shake all round, ivith words 
of welcome spoken by each captain.] 

Eben — Come captains, we mus' have everything all 
ready before we call de white folks out. I will call off 
de captains from de diffunt plantations. Captain Blass 
of Bellgrove. 

Blass — Here I is! 

Eben — Captain Parsnip of Woodlawn. 

Parsnip — Here I is! 

Eben— Captain Crow of Oakenbrow. 

Crow — Here I is! 

Eben — Now all you darkies get ready. First will 
be de dancing and singing between Woodlawn, Annandale 
and Bellgrove. Den de essence of Ole Virginny, den de 
corn shucking, and las' cle Virginia reel. Monroe, got all 
dem chairs ready for de white folks? 

Monroe — Yes, Eben. 

Eben — Bid dem all enter. 

[All enter and take chairs. Beginning of festivities, 
and after Virginia reel. Curtain.] 



"OLE VIRGINNY" 31 

ACT 11. 

SCENE FIRST 

Time, May 1, 1863. Picket scene before Chancel- 
lorsville, along Rappahannock river. 

Casy — {Federal 'picket.'] Ho, there, Johnnie, I want 
to make a swap with you. Come here, no one will see us. 

Moore — [Confederate picket.'] All right, Yank. 
Thought you were wearing iron shoes since that mud 
march you got into last December when you stole away 
from us at Fredericksburg. 

Casy — Never mind about fighting, Johnnie. We 
want to do a little trading now. Have you any tobacco? 

Moore — Reckon I have, Yank. Have you any coffee? 

Casy — Certainly, here it is. [Showing it.'\ 

Moore — Place it on the ground. We must not be 
seen together. 

Casy — All right, here it is. [Walking half way and 
placing it on the ground.'] 

Moore — [Advancing and picking it up, at the same 
time laying tobacco on the ground.] Here is my tobacco, 
Yank. 

Casy — Let us sit down a while and have a little talk, 
no one will see us. 

Moore — Reckon it will be all right. [Both sit down.] 

Casy — What corps do you belong to? 

Moore — Stonewall Jackson's corps, A. P. Hill's 
division and one of the Stonewall brigade. 

Casy — [Looking at him in surprise.] What! One of 
Stonewall Jackson's men? A soldier every inch of you 
and a brave one at that. I'll shake your hand. [Both 
extend hands.] 

Moore — What's your corps, Yank? 

Casy — 13th army corps, Meagher's Irish brigade. I 
am one of the 69th New York. 

Moore — What! Meagher's brigade of Irishmen that 
made the three charges against the Stonewall last Decem- 
ber at Fredericksburg? 



32 "OLE VIRGINNY'' 

Casy — I am one of the very same, sah! I am just 
over a wound I got in that charge. 

Moore — [Rising.] I shake your hand, sir. The Irish 
brigade's valor, sah, is the talk of the army of Northern 
Virginia. We first met you at Fair Oaks, then at Gaines 
Mill. You held us at bay several times on McClellan's 
retreat to Harrison's landing. No matter what side we 
fight on, brave men always honor brave men. 

Casy — [Enthusiastically.] Here take all my coffee, 
and any other damn thing I have, and here are the New 
York papers, too. 

Moore — Here are the Richmond papers for you. 

Casy — [Rising.] We must be going now, Johnnie. 
The pickets lately have been watched. They say we are 
getting too sociable. I hope this war will soon be over, 

Moore — Yes, partner, I reckon if the soldiers had the 
settlement of it it would have been over long ago. 

Casy — Get to your place quick, Johnnie. Somebody 
is coming. 

[Both exit.] 
scene second. 

Confederate campfire. Soldiers sitting around laugh- 
ing. [Enter Moore.] 

Turner — Well, Moore, what did you get from the 
Yankee picket? 

Moore — A generous Yankee he was. He was an 
Irishman from Meagher's Irish brigade that made that 
terrible charge at Fredericksburg, and a true Irishman he 
was. He complimented our troops on their great valor. 

Turner — He's like all brave men. He gives credit 
to whom credit is due. Well, boys, we'll soon give the 
enemy another brush, as soon as Joe Hooker comes out 
of the Wilderness. 

Moore — Boys, the foot cavalry is ready at any time 
for old Stonewall's call. 

Turner — Moore, what do you think will be old Jack's 
next move? 



''OLE VIRGIN NY" 33 

Moore — Captain, don't you know that old phrase of 
Jack's? 

Turner — No, what is it? 

Moore — He said that if his coat knew his thoughts, 
he would cast it off. [Soldiers all laugh.] 

Turner — Right you are. 

Moore — We might get orders this very moment to 
march tonight. [All laugh.] 

I Turner— What do you think of John Pelham, boys? 

Moore — The best artillerist in either army. Didn't 
he hold the enemy back at Hamilton's crossing last 
December at Fredericksburg. 

Turner — Ptight you are, Moore. 

[Soldiers all applaud.] 

Moore — Yes, and Uncle Bob didn't forget to mention 
it, either. 

Turner — Boys, the bravest act that I have seen during 
the war, from first Bull Run down to Fredericksburg, was 
the act of that boy from old King George, Colonel Harry 
Mortimer, of the Fifth Virginia Cavalry. At our last 
battle of Fredericksburg, on the right at Hamilton's 
crossing, the enemy made a gallant charge on General 
Gregg's forces, and captured a piece of our artillery. As 
they were going off with it. Colonel Mortimer rode up and 
with drawn sword called on his men to follow him to 
recapture the gun. The soldiers answered with cheers 
and made a charge for it. The Colonel, who was in the 
lead, was the first to place his hand on the gun. 
The field piece was recaptured and brought back into our 
lines in full view of that portion of the army. Jeb Stuart 
himself rode up and complimented Colonel Mortimer on 
the spot. [Rousing applause from the soldiers.] 

Moore — Brave act it was. Captain. We have all 
heard of Mortimer's bravery, boys. 

Turner — Boys, we are to have an entertainment at 
the campfire, tonight. The Stonewall Quartet is coming 
and I hear that General Stuart is coming to hear the songs 



34 'VLE VIRGINNY" 

and Sweeney, his banjo player, to accompany them. 

[Music heard and soldiers listen.] 

[Enter quartet accompanied by Stuart. Cheers.] 

Stuart — I see you are enjoying yourselves, boys. 
That's right, we may have a hard march before us at any 
time. 

Turner — We are pleased to see you here, General, 
as we all know you love music and song. 

Moore — Come, boys, let the Stonewall Glee Club 
start her agoing. [Sings.] 

Turner— Come, Sweeney , giveussomething on the banjo. 

Stuart — Sweeney, the boys want to hear you. 

Sweeney — All right, General. [Plays.] 

Turner — General Stuart, Private Moore will now 
give us the new recitation of the army, called "Stonewall 
Jackson's Way." 

Sweeney and Soldiers — Good for you, Moore. 

Moore — With pleasure, boys. [Recites "Stonewall 
Jackson's Way."] 

"Come stack arms, pile on the rails, 

Stir up the campfires bright, 
No matter if the canteen fails, 

We'll make a roaring night. 
Here Shenandoah brawls along, 
The lofty Blue Ridge echoes strong 
To swell the brigade's roaring song 

Of Stonewall Jackson's way. 

"We see him now, the old slouch hat 

Cocked o'er his eye askew. 
The shrewd dried smile, the speech so pat, 

So calm, so blunt, so true. 
The blue light elder knows them well. 
Says he: "That's Banks, he's fond of shell. 
Lord save his soul, we'll give him" — well 

That's Stonewall Jackson's way. 



"OLE VIRGIN NY" 35 

"Silence! Ground arms. Kneel, all caps off, 

Old Bluelight's going to pray: 
Strangle the fool that dares to scoff. 

Attention ! That's his way. 
Appealing for his native sod, 
Lay bare thy arm, stretch forth thy rod, 

Amen! That's Stonewall Jackson's way. 

"He's in the saddle, now fall in, 

Steady the whole brigade. 
Hill's at the ford cut off, 

We'll win his way out ball and blade. 
What matter if our shoes are worn: 
What matter if our feet are torn : 
Quick step! We're with them before morn — 

That's Stonewall Jackson's way. 

"The sun's bright lances rout the mists of morn 
And, by George, there's Longstreet, struggling 
in the ditch 
Hemmed in an ugly gorge, 

Pope and his columns whipped before, 
Bayonets and grape, hear old Stonewall roar. 
Charge! Stuart pay off Ashby's score — 
That's Stonewall Jackson's way. 

"Ah! Maiden, wait and yearn 

For news of Stonewall's band: 
Ah ! Maid with eyes that burn. 

The ring upon thy hand. 
Ah! wife sew on, pray on, hope on, 
Thy life shall not be all forlorn, 
The foe has ne'er been born 

That gets in Stonewall's way." 

[Loud applause and cheer from outside.] 



36 ''OLE VIRGIN NY'' 

Stuart — Bravo! Private Moore. 

[Enter Courier.] 

Courier — [Saluting.] General Stuart! [Hands him 
message.] 

Stuart — [Reading message.] Captain Turner, General 
Jackson will be here at once. Have all your men ready 
to report to their quarters for marching orders. 
[Soldiers rise.] 

Moore— What did I tell you, boys, about old Jack? 
There is something in the wind. [Loud cheering heard 
from outside.] 

[Enter Jackson.] 

Jackson — We must not make much noise, boys. 
The enemy might hear us. 

Soldiers — [Leaving.] "It's Stonewall Jackson's way." 

Jackson — General, why should we not win battles 
with such men as those? 

[Exit all but Jackson and Stuart.] 

Stuart — It's a fact. General. 

[Jackson draws up two cracker boxes.] 

Jackson — Sit down. General. [Each sits on a box.] 
General, I have just left General Lee, and after a long 
conference we have decided to attack the Federal Army 
on flank and rear. While it is against the maxims and 
first rules of war for a general to divide his forces in front 
of an enemy, yet all rules and maxims must be subordi- 
nated to the circumstances and case at hand. We have 
decided to take my whole corps and make a flank move- 
ment and strike General Hooker in the rear, near Wilder- 
ness Tavern. You, with the able assistance of Fitzhugh 
Lee's cavalry brigade, will guard the army's flank and 
mask the movement. General Lee is to remain in front 
of the enemy, making demonstrations of attack, while we 
are on the march to his rear. It is a hazardous under- 
taking, but desperate situations require desperate means. 
[Turning and looking Stuart full in the face.] General, 
we have made just as equal and desperate movement 



"OLE VIRGINNY" 37 

against General Pope at Second Manassas and were suc- 
cessful, and with a kind Providence, I hope this attack 
on the enemy will be equally so. 

Stuart — General, there is nothing that I would not 
undertake with the same zeal and spirit as yourself. We 
must make Joe Hooker come out of the Wilderness. 

Jackson — Now to the details of the movement, we 
are to start at daybreak for the enemies flank. A loyal 
friend of one of my staff will guide us through roads and 
paths rarely frequented. Should they be impassible, we 
will take the Brock road to a certain point. If the enemy 
should observe our movement, we will turn as if to go 
south, to give him the idea that we are retreating, but 
after a certain distance we will make another turn in the 
road and pursue a direct course to his rear. General, 
your judgment is ever mine, and should any unforseen 
contingency arise, I know you will be able to cope with 
it. This movement must be made with as much secrecy 
and celerity as possible. General ! [Looking Stuart sternly 
in the face.] Ever since this movement on the enemy 
has been contemplated, one desire has occupied my whole 
thoughts. It is this: to block and defend United States 
ford against the retreat of the Federal Army, should our 
attack against them be successful. The enemy's stealth- 
ful cross of the Rappahannock last December at Freder- 
icksburg has ever rankled in my brain, and I don't want 
him to repeat it, in case of his defeat. 

Stuart — You are right. General. 

Jackson — With General Lee amusing the enemy in 
front, while we are stealthily marching to his rear, — 
United!States ford defended, — there will be only one way 
for the Federal Army to escape destruction, and that 
only by cutting a passage through our lines to regain 
the north side of the river. 

Stuart — General, how many men do you think will 
be required to hold the ford until we can assist them? 



38 ''OLE VIRGINNY" 

Jackson — The success of the defense of the ford, 
General, will not depend altogether on the number of 
men, as it will on the metal of the officer who will be in 
command. Amongst your junior officers is there one 
that you can recommend for this emergency? 

Stuart — Yes, General, his name is Colonel Mortimer 
of the Fifth Virginia Cavalry. While under my command 
his conduct has been heroic and his coolness in the crisis 
of battle I never saw surpassed. In my next report I 
wish to recommend his promotion. 

Jackson — Is he near at hand? 

Stuart — Yes, General. 

jACKSON^Send for him at once, General. 

Stuart — [Stepping to the rear and calling his aide.] 
Sweeney ! 

[Swee7iey entering and saluting.] 

Stuart — Do you know Colonel Mortimer's location 
of quarters? 

Sweeney — Yes, General. 

Stuart — Present him my compliments. Inform him 
that General Jackson desires to see him at once. 

Sweeney — All right. General. [Saluting.] 
[Exit Sweeney.] 

Stuart — General, you can depend on your old foot 
cavalry to do anything for you. I must say you look 
better in your new uniform than in the old faded cap 
and coat. 

Jackson — Ah! General, I thank you heartily for 
this present, but don't you know my old soldiers hardly 
knew me at Fredericksburg, when I passed along the lines 
the morning of the battle, and they considered their 
feelings hurt because I had discarded the old familiar 
faded coat and cap. 

Stuart — [Laughing heartily.] It is true. General, 
I have heard of that incident. [Horse heard in the distance. 
Enter Harry. Stuart and Jackson arise.] Colonel Morti- 
mer allow me to introduce you to General Jackson. 



"OLE VIRGIN NY'' 39 

Harry — I am honored and pleased with the intro- 
duction, General. [Exit Stuart.] 

Jackson — Colonel Mortimer, I am to select you for a 
very important mission. It is rarely I tell my plans to 
any of my officers, but the nature of your movement and 
mission necessitates the revealing of the attack on the 
enemy— so you can govern yourself accordingly, but you 
are to impart no information to anyone until you arrive 
at the end of your journey. We are to leave at dawn 
for the march. You are to precede us tonight with six 
regiments of picked troops which will be placed under 
your command by General vStuart. Two guides who live 
in the vicinity of United States ford will direct you to it 
by an unknown route through the Wilderness. When 
you arrive at the ford, make such disposition of your 
forces that will leave the enemy to believe that' you have 
more men than you really have. At the sound of our 
guns tomorrow, which will be about three or four p.m., 
if all goes well, be ready for an attack. Should we drive 
and route the enemy, their first thought will be of their 
line of retreat across the river by the way of United States 
ford. [Looking at Mortimer boldly and 'placing his hand 
on his shoulder.] Young man, of the number of brave 
officers of our army that were suggested to execute this 
bold movement. General Stuart recommended you as the 
very man for such a crisis and emergency. I say to you, 
Colonel, hold the ford until we can swing a part of the 
army around to your aid, even if it takes a sacrifice, unless 
you have other orders. 

_ Mortimer— General Jackson, I am fully alive to the 
spirit of this movement. I will hold the ford if it takes 
the sacrifice of my life. 

Jackson — I hope you will live, Colonel Mortimer, to 
see a glorious victory, wdiich you will help to gain. So 
goodby, and Godspeed. 

[Exit Mortimer and Jackson.] 

[Enter Stuart and Sioeeney ready for the march.] 



40 "OLE VIRGIN NY" 

Sweeney — I hope, General, we will get as much lob- 
ster salad and champagne on this trip as we did when we 
swung around Pope at Second Manassas. [Stuart laughs.] 

Stuart — We may not be so fortunate this time, 
Sweeney, in the way of luxuries. 

Sweeney — They say the 11th corps carries some fine 
cattle. We may be able to eat a sirloin tomorrow even- 
ing. [Stuart laughs. Music heard.] 

Stuart — Sweeney, the march has started. 

Sweeney — There is Fitzhugh Lee riding alongside 
of Jackson. He looks ready for any fight, but who is that 
dashing young officer that is ahead of the troops? 

Stuart — Sweeney, can't you perceive? That is 
Colonel Mortimer. [Grand entry. Enter drum corps and 
band, Jackson and Fitzhugh Lee enter at head of column 
and halt alongside of Stuart. Exit Sweeney. Troops 
enter, Mortimer in advance. Immense cheering as troops 
pass on ivhen they pass Jackson. Column passes over the 
stage at a period of ten minutes. Jackson, Stuart and. Lee 
with hats off in recognition of the cheering of the soldiers, 
music at all times playing. Exit Stuart, Jackson and Lee, 
after column has passed. Closing of scene second.] 

SCENE third. 

[Federal campfire, soldiers sitting around, smoking and 
laughing. Enter Casy and Krouse.] 

Casy — There is no use talking, Krouse, the next battle 
will be fought right here in this part of the country. 

Krouse — I believe that, Corporal Casy. 

Casy — Here we are cooped up in a forest cage, and we 
hardly can see each other ten feet away. 

Krouse — That's so, Corporal. Did you hear that 
that brave Franz Sigel is taken from us? 

Casy — When did that happen? 

Krouse — Yesterday. 

Casy — Sorry to hear that Jacob. 

Krouse — How did they expect us Germans to fight 
with any heart, when they remove our brave general ? 



'•'OLE VIRGINNY" 41 

Casy — Krouse, it is the talk of the army that the name 
of Stonewall Jackson will set the Germans flying like wild 
geese. 

Krouse — Yes, Dennis, but there are others that join 
in that geese flight, too. [Casy mid soldiers all laugh.] 

Casy — You are right, Krouse, and no mistake. 

Krouse — I don't mind what you say, Casy, you took 
care of me when I was wounded. You Irish are full of 
jokes and brave soldiers, too, but I want to tell you about 
this Jackson business, and how that joke got around 
about those Germans. You see Stonewall Jackson is 
everywhere. We first met him at Winchester, then at 
Strasburg, then at Port Royal, also at Port Republic, and 
then when we thought he was at Richmond, he came way 
round by our back front side at Second Bull Run, steals 
all our provisions, then gives them to his soldiers, goes 
behind the railroad cut, hits us in our rear front, when 
we thought he was two hundred miles away. Boys, I 
think his army and himself travels by the wing. [All 
laugh heartily.] 

Casy — It is true, Krouse, Stonewall is the devil. He 
bothers us all, but it seems that he has it in for the Ger- 
mans. [Soldiers laugh.] 

Krouse — It looks like it, Corporal. 
[Singing heard.] 

Casy — Here comes some of the Maryland boys, that 
have been lately added to our brigade, and they are a 
social and brave set at that. 

Krouse — You bet they are, Casy. 
[Enter quartet.] 

Brown — Hello, Casy and Krouse. Boys, here are the 
two funniest characters in the army. 

Krouse — And none can beat Casy for bravery or 
singing. 

Brown — Boys, we must put in the afternoon in some 
fun. 

Krouse— What do you think of Colonel Howland? 



42 "OLE VIRGINNY" 

Casy — One of the bravest soldiers that ever faced an 
enemy. Why he could not pass a wounded soldier with- 
out offering him the contents of his canteen. 

BroW'N — Rightfully said, Casy. I wonder where we 
are going to strike old Stonewall next. We hit him at 
Fredericksburg last time. 

CaSy— Yes, Sergeant, we struck him like a rubber 
ball that hits a brick wall. We rebounded back to the 
other side of the Rappahannock. [Soldiers all laugh.] 

Brown — That's true, Casy. 

Casy — For heaven's sake, say nothing about Stone- 
wall. Krouse blames him for Sigel's removal. 

Krouse — He's the cause of other general's removals, 
Dennis. 

[All laugh.] 

Brown — You're right, Krouse. 

Casy — Sergeant Brown, we are proud to have you 
Maryland boys added to our brigade. 

Brown — Pleased to hear it Casy. Let us have some 
singing this afternoon. 

Casy — That's right, Sergeant. 

[Quartet commences to sing all songs of the Union.] 

Brown — We must be jolly, boys, for God only knows 
how many of us wdll be alive after the next battle. 

Krouse — I want to say one thing about our next 
battle. Our last battle was at Fredericksburg. We don't 
know where our next battle will be, but I will say one 
thing, that if we are attacked, and they would say that 
Stonewall Jackson was five hundred miles away, I want 
to say right here to you boys, he will be the first one that 
will hit us, and it will be us Germans, even if we are in 
the rear of the army. [Soldiers all laugh heartily.] 
[Cheering heard in the distance. Soldiers listen.] 

Casy — It is Colonel Rowland, boys, here he comes. 
[Enter Rowland.] 

Rowland — That's right, boys, enjoy yourselves. I 
heard your singing and I came over to enjoy your songs. 



''OLE VIRGINNY'' 43 

Brown — Come, Casy, give us one of your Irish songs. 
[Soldieis all applaud.] 

Rowland — Corporal Casy, if your singing equals 
your bravery, I will listen till night. 

Casy — If my singmg. Colonel, equaled the admira- 
tion your soldiers have for you, I would be willing to die 
the next battle. 

Brown and Krouse — You are right, Corporal. 
[Casy sings.] 

Casy — Come Krouse, give us Sigel and the "Bully 
Lager Beer." 

Brown and Soldiers — Oh! Yes, Krouse. 

Krouse — All right, boys. [Ki-ouse siiigs. Loud ap- 
plause.] 

Brown — Boys, wasn't that a strange incident of the 
war that the First Maryland Regiment of the Confederate 
Army met the First Maryland Regiment of the Union 
Army in battle? 

Casy — And the best of it all, they were both brave 
fighters. 

Brown — Right you are, my boy. 

Casy— This is the beautiful month of May, 1863. It 
is an afternoon of sunshine. We are well stocked and 
surrounded with all the supplies of war and far away 
from any enemy. 

Krouse — Hold on there, Casy, don't you be too sure 
of that. 

[Enter Courier, saluting.] 

Courier — Colonel Howland, General Howard wants 
to see you at once. It is reported that cavalry has been 
seen on our flank today, and Confederate troops observed 
near United States ford. [Soldiers partially rise to their 
feet.] 

Howland — I must leave you, boys. 

[Exit Courier and Hoivland.] 

Casy — I think it is only one of Jeb Stuart's raids. 
[Soldiers resume their sitting posture again.] 



44 "OLE VIRGIN NY'' 

Brown — They say that Lee has sent Jackson to Suf- 
folk with his whole corps. 

Krouse— I don't care if Lee sent Jackson to Egypt, 
he would come around by way of New York, and would 
be the first to attack us in our rear. 

Casy — Boys, Krouse is an old campaigner, and he 
knows all about Stonewall Jackson, anyway. 

Krouse — Yes, and I know something about Jeb 
Stuart, too. You boys who have been only in a few battles 
don't know Stuart like I do. Listen! Wherever you 
find Stuart, Jackson is near him somewhere, and I would 
not be surprised if Jackson were this minute behind us. 
[Heavy discharge of musketry heard. Soldiers jump to 
their feet and listen. More discharge of musketry. Enter 
courier.] 

Courier — Soldiers, you are ordered at once to your 
commands. Stonewall Jackson has attacked the 11th 
corps in the rear. 

Krouse — Mein Gott! What did I tell you about 

this Jackson? It is the Germans he has attacked, too. 

[Musketry heard. Federal soldiers falling hack hurriedly 

carrying paraphernalia of ivar ivith them. Enter Gibson.] 

Gibson — All is lost, men, we must avoid being cap- 
tured. 

[Enter Howland ivith dratvn sword and hat off.] 

Rowland — Halt! Right here. Captain Gibson. The 
first soldier that falls back, be he officer or private, I will 
have him shot on the spot. Rally, here boys. Don't 
stain your flag with cowardice. Let us make one more 
charge before the enemy reinforces. We must clear the 
ford. It is the salvation of our army. Come, follow me! 

Casy — We are with you. Colonel Howland, to the last 
ditch. Come Krouse, Sigel is in command again. 

Krouse — I am right with you, Casy. 

Brown — Lead, Colonel. Maryland boys are with you. 
[End of scene third.] 



"OLE VIRGIN NY" 45 

SCENE FOURTH. 

[Enter Mortimer with soldiers and drawn sword.] 

Harry — Brave and valorous men, we still hold the 
ford and Jackson is driving them in on their center. 
[Musketry fire.] Boys you have done your duty. [Enter 
Moore.] 

Moore — [Saluting.] Colonel Mortimer, we have taken 
three hundred Yankee prisoners in their last charge, and 
amongst them was a gallant young officer who led them 
right up to our guns. The officer was so brave that our 
men were deterred from killing him. 

Harry — Send the prisoners to the rear, and bring the 
officer here. 

[Exit Moore. Soliloquy.] 

Whoever this officer is, he is a brave one indeed. Three 
different charges has he made to drive us from the ford. 

[Enter Rowland and Moore. Harry salutes, looks and 
with an exclamation of joy and bewilderment greets him.] 
What! My college friend, Lester Howland of Boston! 
What a coincidence! What a fatality! Truth is stranger 
than fiction. [Advances.] Give me your hand a thou- 
sand times. [Both shake hands, Howland laughs.] 

Howland — This indeed is a meeting that would stand 
in romance and fiction under the circumstances. 

Harry — Lester! You are the prisoner of one man 
and that is your friend, Harry Mortimer. I will explain 
this novel meeting to that flower of chivalry. General 
Stuart, my commanding officer. [Looking at Moore.] 
Sergeant, leave us a moment and see to the prisoners. 
[Exit Mooi'e.] So you are the officer that has been making 
charges to drive us from the ford. 

Howland — The very same, Harry. 

Harry — You have bravely tried to execute your 
orders. 

Howland — While the novelty of our meeting is won- 
derful, yet I am indeed touched by gratitude for this 
generous greeting under such circumstances. 



46 ''OLE VIRGINNY" 

Harry — Be jolly, my boy, we are fighting for two 
different causes that neither of us could avert, yet while 
in the line of duty, our bond of friendship will stand all 
the storms of civil strife. After this battle I will try and 
have you exchanged. 

HowLAND — How is your father, Harry? 

Harry — Father is very low. I am afraid I will never 
see him alive. 

HowLAND — How is your sweetheart. Miss Taylor? 

Harry — She is at Bellgrove. The declaration of war 
deferred our marriage. 

[Enter Eben.] 

Eben — Massa Harry, de bullits am drappin' all round 
Firebug. 

Harry — Don't be afraid Eben. Don't you know Mr. 
Ho wland ? 

HowLAND — Don't you know me, Eben? I am Harry's 
prisoner now. 

Eben — Mr. Howland, I am done pleased to see you. 
[Raising his hands.] Fer de Lawd's sake, what strange 
things de war hab brought on. [Exit Eben.] 

Howland — So Eben followed you to the war. 

Harry — Yes, Lester, he cried and begged to go along 
and act as my bodyguard, but I have to send him back 
to father so he can attend to him in his low condition. 
Have you heard of Mr. Gibson since that July evening, 
1860, at Annandale? 

Howland — [Smiling.] Jim Gibson, now Captain Gib- 
son of one of the Maryland companies must be your pris- 
oner and made so in the last charge, or he is killed. 

Harry — I venture to say he is neither. 
[Moore enters and hands dispatch to Harry.] 

Harry — [After reading.] Lester, duty calls. Ser- 
geant, escort Colonel Howland to a place of safety in our 
rear. He was my college friend at the North, and must 
be relieved of the ordeal of the ordinary prisoner. I will 
vouch for all. 



"OLE VIRGIN NY" 47 

Moore — Colonel, your orders will be obeyed. 

Harry — Goodby, Lester. 

Rowland — Goodby Harry, and God save you 
through the rest of the battle. [Exit Howland and Moore. 
Enter Captain Turner and prisoners.] 

TuRNf:R — Hurry on here Yankees, we are not going 
to take thirty days to take you to our rear. 

Casy — I only wish it took you only half that time to 
get to our rear, or we would not be here now. [Mor-timer 
and Turner smile.] 

Krouse — Dat's right, Corporal Casy, don't stand any 
insults, if we don't walk fast. Our feet are our own. 

Turner— Come, Yanks, push on. 

Krouse — I am no Yank. I was born in Germany, 
and was once in the Prussian army. 

Turner — Don't care where you were born qr what 
army you were in. You were taken prisoner in the Yankee 
army, and I have no time to listen to Dutch Yankees. 

Casy — KrOuse, don't you know you are a white- 
washed Yankee, now? 

Krouse — All right, Dennis, it's what you say goes 
with me. 

Harry — Corporal, what command do you belong to? 

Casy— To Colonel Howland's, sir, the bravest officer 
that ever led men into action. [Harry places his hand on 
Casy's arm and sees blood.] 

Harry — Captain Turner, this brave man is wounded. 
It is a bayonet thrust. Here is my handkerchief. [Tak- 
ing it from his inside pocket.] I will bind your wound. 
[Binds handkerchief around Casy's arm.] Take him at 
once to a surgeon. Captain, don't delay. 

Krouse — Corporal, you wounded and never told me 
about it? 

Turner — Move on, Dutch Yankee. 

Krouse — [Leaving.] This is all the result of meeting 
Stonewall Jackson. 

[Enter Eben.] 



48 "OLE VIRGIN NY" 

Harry — What brings you here Eben? 

Eben — Massa, I was done 'fraid you was killed. Dem 
cannon bullits am knockin' de trees down. 

Harry — I am afraid you will be killed. Go back at 
once to my quarters and have Firebug ready. 

Eben — My goodness, my j^oung massa am a brave 
man. 

[Exit Eben. Enter Moore.] 

Moore — [Saluting.] Colonel Mortimer, General Stuart 
commends you on your brave stand, but wants you to 
withdraw your forces at once and report to him at Wilder- 
ness church. In the darkness and confusion it is impos- 
sible to get troops to your aid. 

Harry — Report to General Stuart and tell his orders 
will be obeyed. [Exit Harry and Moore.] 
[E7id of scene four.] 

SCENE FIFTH. 

[Wounding of Stojieu^aU Jackson. Enter Jackson and 
staff.] 

Jackson — ^We must press forward. This disorder 
must be corrected. 

[Enter General Lane.] 

Lane — [Saluting.] General Jackson, there is a great 
deal of disorder in this darkness, and my command is 
greatly scattered. 

Jackson — [Looking boldly at Lane.] General Lane, 
we must press forward, and cut the enemj- off from United 
States ford. Providence has given us a glorious victory. 
We must get between the enemy and the river. We 
must give them no chance to escape. Go back and tell 
Colston and Hill to press forward. Look out for sur- 
prises, and tell the commands for me to allow no one to 
go down the road without challenging them. 
[Exit General Lane.] 

Staff Officer — General, are you not exposing your- 
self too much. You are between the two lines and not 
far from the enemy. 



"OLE VIRGIN NY" 49 

Jackson — It's all over. The enemy is routed, but we 
must cut him off from the ford. Let us go back to our 
own lines. 

[7'urns the horse, then goes down towards the road. 
Voice in the thicket calls out "Halt, Cavalry!" Muskets 
discharged. Jackson turns horse who goes into the bushes. 
Horse is pulled back by Jackson, staff officer grabs rein of 
horse and pulls horse into the road. Jackson reels in saddle 
and is taken off horse by two of the staff.] 

Staff Officer — Are you hurt seriously, General? 

Jackson — Not much. I can walk down the road by 
your aid. If any of the soldiers ask who I am, say I am a 
confederate officer. [Occasional musket fire. General 
Jackson is held and led on by two aides, soldiers in advancing 
take a look at him to discover who he is. Enter General 
Pender, looking sharply at Jacksoji.] 

Pender — My God, it is General Jackson! [Jackson 
still leaning on staff, half faints.] General Jackson, I am 
afraid I will have to fall back a little in this confusion. 
[Jackson rises from his stupor, stands erect with aid of staff, 
looks at Pender majestically and emphatically states:] 

Jackson — General Pender, you must hold your 
ground! You must hold your ground. General Pender! 

[Falls back in aides' arms. Arrivaf of Jitter. Curtaiii.] 



ACT III. 



Scene, Annandale. Time, 1865. Illness of Judge 
Mortimer. Judge seated in armchair, attended by Eben, 
outside of mansion. 

Judge — [With paper in his hand.] I am afraid Eben 
that Harry is dead or wounded. 

Eben — No, Massa Jedge, I know dat my young massa 
am livin', case I done dreamed las' night dat he called me 
from de oak tree yonder. 



50 "OLE VIRGIN NY" 

Judge — This paper I hold in my hand speaks of A. P. 
Hill's death, and states that a great many of the best 
officers were wounded at Five Forks. 

Eben — Massa Jedge, don't believe what de papers 
says, as you done know las' year de papers said dat 
Henry Williams of Port Royal was killed at Gettysburg, 
when he was only in a Yankee prison up North. 

Judge — Eben, is Mr. Richard Turner at Woodlawn? 

Eben — No, Massa. He is done gone to Fredericks- 
burg, and his son, Henry, went into the war a long time 
ago, and nearly all de men folks on de plantation done 
gone into Massa Lee's army, since you'se been sick. Even 
all de slaves have done left de plantations, and gone wid 
de Yankee soldiers, who has done made cooks out of dem, 
and soldier men too. Monroe done left our plantation. 

Judge — Will you promise me, Eben, not to leave 
Annandale, should I die before your young master 
returns? 

Eben — I'll never leave you, Massa Jedge, never! 
They would have to tear this old slave to pieces to take 
him away from de place where he was born and from his 
old and young massa. 

Judge — That is right, Eben. You have ever been a 
faithful old friend. You know that you arefree. I have 
had the record of your freedom made out at the court 
house. 

Eben — I don't want to be free, Massa Jedge. I want 
to stay with both my masters. 

Judge — Have you placed my will and papers that I 
made out for Harry in my private desk, under lock and 
key? 

Eben — No, Massa, I didn't put dem in any desk, as 
you know bad people lately has done broken into houses 
and carried away valuables of the people, but I done 
sewed de will and papers between de linin' of my vest 
near my heart for my young massa. 



"OLE VIRGIN NY" 51 

Judge — Are the negroes getting plenty to eat, Eben? 

Eben — Oh! dem darkies am hvin' high, Dey am 
gittin' all de hoe-cake and bacon dey want, but I done 
fooled dem Yankee soldier men, when dey come around 
for something to eat. I done told dem dat de Pennsyl- 
vanie "Bob-tails" was here. Den de soldier men all 
laughed and said: "Dat settles it, nothing left after de 
'Bol)-tails'." 

[Enter Tilda.] 

Tilda — How are you feelin' now, Massa Jedge? Will 
I done bring you some chicken broth out here? 

Judge — Not at present, Tilda, I feel rather weak. 

Tilda — Massa, you jes done grieve yourself to death 
readin' dem old papers, dat never done tell de truf 'bout 
anything. Massa Harry am livin', and I know you will 
see him yet. 

Judge — Ah! Tilda, I am afraid I will not live to see 
my darling boy. 

Tilda — You are not going to die, Massa. If you die, 
Eben and I would done die right after you, wouldn't we, 
Eben? 

Eben — 'Deed we would, wife. Dem old papers said 
las' month dat George Wilkins was killed, den again nex' 
week, said he was done promoted at a big battle. 

Tilda — Lawd goodness, I am done glad I can't read, 
for I know dem papers would taminate me. 
[Enter Grill and Taylor.'] 

Taylor — How do you feel today. Judge? 

Judge — A little weaker. Miss Taylor. 

Crill — Judge Mortimer, you are just fretting yourself 
to death because that old runaway soldier. Bob Grene 
of Carolina spread the news that Harry was seriously 
wounded in front of Petersburg. 

Judge — Miss Crill, if Harry was not wounded or killed 
he would find some way of coming to see me or communi- 
cate. He knows of my low state of health, since he sent 
Eben back. 



52 "OLE VIRGIN NY'' 

Taylor — Judge, in your long sickness, you have not 
realized that the two armies have shifted their positions 
in the past year. The Federal army now covers this 
whole section of the country and nothing can pass between 
Washington, Richmond and Petersburg without being 
subjected to the closest investigation. Therefore, Harry 
would have to pass through a terrible ordeal to get here, 
as he would have to pass through the enemy's lines, not 
to mention what might be done should he be found inside 
them — perhaps condemned as a spy. 

Judge — True, true. Miss Taylor. In my weak con- 
dition, I have not realized the true situation of affairs. I 
hope, however, I will live to see Harry alive. 

Taylor — You will. Judge, something tells me you 
will! 

Crill — Judge, what makes you think Harry is dead? 
Those newspapers never told the truth about anything. 

Tilda— Dat's de gawd's truf, Miss Taylor. 

Judge — Captain Baker told me when he was here 
that ever since General Stuart fell at Yellow Tavern, 
Harry seemed melancholy and exposed himself more than 
ever. 

Crill — It might be, Judge, th^at Harry is taken pris- 
oner, and that would account for his silence. 

Eben — Pardon me, Miss Crill for speakin'. My young 
massa lives, and he is too brave to let dem Yankee soldier 
men take him prisoner. He would die first. 
[All look at Ehen.] 

Taylor — Eben, were you with Harry on the night 
march before Chancellorsville? 

Eben — [Bowing politely.] 'Deed I was, Massa Jedge 
and Misus. I never done leave my young massa's side 
'til he told me to go back home to 'tend to Massa Jedge. 

Taylor — Eben, was Harry slightly wounded in that 
battle? 

Eben — No, Miss Taylor. He was not done afraid of 
dem Yankee cannon bullits. He was always afraid I 



"OLE VtRGINNY" 53 

would be killed, but when his pet hoss, Firebug, was done 
shot and fell, massa jumped right up and drew his sword 
and said to de soldier men : "We mus' drive dem enemies 
back." He was done proud when he was promoted by 
Jebly Stuart over dem cavalry soldiers, and all dat night 
on de march, he called out to de soldier men: "Push on, 
boys, we mus' get to de ford before mornin'." 

[Judge Mortimer faints slightly and falls hack in his 
chair. Misses Taylor and Crill run to his side.] 
Crill— Tilda, a little water, quick! 
[Tilda gets water, hands to Miss Taylor, loho sprinkles a 
little on Judge's forehead and bathes his face. Judge re- 
vives.] 

Taylor — Are you feeling better now, Judge? 
Judge— It's only a Kttle nervousness and excitement, 
when hearing of my son's ambition to carry out the orders 
of General Jackson. 

Crill— Don't you think we had better lead you mto 
the house. Judge, out of this air? 
Judge — Yes, I think it is better. 

[Judge arises helped by Tilda and Eben and enters the 
parlor of Annandale. Exit all. Soldiers seen to pass 
through background. Enter Eben.] 

Eben— Poor Massa Jedge am done proud of my young 
Massa Harry. I hope he will come. No Yankee soldier 
man would done harm my young massa. I would die for 
him. 

[Soldiers seen to pass again through background. Tilda 
enters, looks after them.] 

Tilda— [£;6en ivaves hand for Tilda to come to him.] 
What am de matter? 

Eben — Do you know who's around here as a Yankee 
soldier man? 
Tilda— Who? 

Eben— Monroe, one of de niggers who run away a year 
ago. 

Tilda— Hush ! You don't tell me. 



54 ''OLE VIRGIN NY" 

Eben — It am de 'truf. 

Tilda— Dat good-for-nothing black ape, to come 
round here on massa's plantation dat has been treated so 
kindly by both our masters. I will jes take a hot kettle 
and burn dem brass buttons off his soldier's coat. 

[Enter Krouse, Casy and soldiers laughing. Krouse ad- 
dresses Eben.] 

Krouse — Come, niggers, come over the river with us. 
We will give you jobs as cooks. You are free now. 

Eben — Dis yere darky was always free. 

Tilda — Don't pay no 'tention to dat ole Dutch fool. 
He has been around here for de las' two days, askin' for 
cream and chicken. I'll cream him if he don't go 'long. 
[Soldiers laugh.] I'll throw some sour milk in his face if 
he comes around here any more. [Soldiers laugh again.] 
You better go to de front, where de battles am, like a real 
sojer man, 'stead of comin' round here, beggin' for cream, 
chicken and pork. [Soldiers all laugh heartily.] 

Casy — Old Tilda's right, boys. We're nothing but 
chicken roost soldiers. 

Krouse— What! Corporal, we no homeguard sol- 
diers! We have fought in the biggest battles of the war, 
and have been exchanged as prisoners. 

Tilda— Dat Irishman is a good sojer man, but if you 
was taken prisoner, Mistah Dutchman, I bet it was Mistah 
Stonewall Jackson dat caught you. [Soldiers laugh.] 

Eben — An' if you don't go along man, Mistah Stone- 
wall wall be after you again. [Soldiers laugh heartily, 
especially Casy. Krouse looks at Casy.] 

Krouse — How would you like to be my black wife? 

Tilda — Fer de Lawd's sake, did you hear dat, Eben? 
Why I am too rich in my Virginia blood to marry any old 
prowlin' chicken, cream-huntin', homeguard sojer man 
as you is. [Soldiers all laugh heartily.] 

[Enter Sergeant Broivn.] 

Brown — Soldiers, I have been ordered by General 
Howland, who has just arrived across the river at Port 



"OLE VIRGIN NY" 55 

Royal, that this plantation, known as Annandale, must in 
the future be exempt from any trespass. 

Tilda — Umgh! I jes clone thought you would catch 
it. Dey is a pickle and a rod waitin' fer you across de 
river. 

Krouse — Goodby, meines swatzes madchen. 

Tilda — Go on dere, Mistah Dutchman. Git your 
sour milk some other whar. [Soldiers all laugh as they 
exit.] 

Eben — Tilda, I know some of dem soldier men will 
be round here again. Poor Massa Jedge am very sick, but 
dis old black slave will watch dis plantation for his old 
and young massa. 

Tilda — Dat is what we will, Eben. I'll'go in de house. 
You keep watch. 

[Exit Tilda.] 

Eben — I never did see so many sojer men lookin' fer 
chicken. [Enter Harry Mortimer at the rear, with uniform 
discolored and dusty, clothes fidl of mud and slightly torn. 
He looks all round. Ehen sees him and rushes towards him, 
falls on his knees with his arms around his legs.] 

Eben — My dear young massa! 

Harry — Eben, is father alive? 

Eben — Yes, Massa Harry, but he am very low. 

[Enter Miss Taylor from house, sees Harry and rushes 
into his arms.] 

Harry — My dearest love! 

Taylor — You have come at last. Your father is 
dying to see you. He is in a nervous state now, but will 
rally when he sees you. Eben, you and Tilda watch the 
roads to see if anyone is coming. Nobody must know 
Harry is here, as he would be taken prisoner. 

Eben — I done understand it all. Miss Taylor. I'll die 
right here for my young massa. 

Harry — Hattie, I must see father at once. 

Taylor — Yes, we will go dear, but let me go ahead 
of you and break the news. 

LOFC, 



56 "OLE VIRGIN NY" 

[Exit Taylor and Harry, Taylor in advance.] 

Eben — [Going towards the door of kitchen.] Tilda! 
Tilda! 

[Enter Tilda.] 

Tilda— What's de trouble? 

Eben — Hush! Massa Harry am done come, and he's 
in de house with Massa Jedge and Miss Taylor. 

Tilda — Man, be keerful, we mus' watch de Yankee 
sojer men. Dey would done kill our young massa and 
carry him into prison, if dey done knew he was in de house. 

Eben — Dat's de truf , Tilda, you watch de Port Conway 
road and I'll watch de river. [Both advance to watch. 
Tilda looks and gets excited as she sees soldiers.] 

Tilda — Eben! Eben! Sojers am comi'n' up de road! 
[Runs towards door to inform Harry. Eben stops her.] 

Eben — What am you goin' to do? 

Tilda— Tell Massa Harry. 

Eben — Have sense, wife. Is you goin' into dat sick 
room, and tell Massa Harry before his father dat de sojer 
men am comin'? Go at once and whisper to Miss Taylor. 
Go quick! 

[Tilda enters house, Eben looks down the road.] 

Eben — Dere am an officer ahead of dem sojers, but 
dey never will take Massa Harrj^ from here. 
[Enter Captain Gibson and squad of soldiers. Enter Tilda 

also.] 

Gibson — Eben, is your young master in the house? 

Eben — No, sah! 

Gibson — He was seen coming up the road. 

Eben — De road don't put him in de house. 

Gibson — Don't try to lie to me, nigger. I am going 
in the house. [Pushing Eben aside.] 

Tilda — Don't you dare push my husban', Mistah 
Gibson. 

[Enter Miss Taylor, who stops Gibson at the bottom of 
steps of house.] 



''OLE VIRGINNY" 57 

Taylor — Where are you going, Mr. Gibson? 

Gibson — I am going to arrest Harry Mortimer, a 
Confederate officer, who is inside the Federal lines and is 
now in that house. 

Taylor — As a gentleman, you would not invade the 
sick chamber of his father, to bring on a scene that no one 
would do, unless he was devoid of human feeling. 

Gibson — The duties of my position in this present 
crisis is not to be moved or blocked by any sentimentality. 
Come corporal and soldiers, let us enter. [Gibson leads 
to enter. Miss Taylor blocks the entrance.] 

Taylor — You will not enter here, sir, only by force. 

Gibson — Miss Taylor, I will not allow you to inter- 
fere with my duty. I will have to drag you by force from 
that door. [Going towards her to place his hands on her 
arm. Enter Mortimer, 'proudly, with arms folded, looking 
Gibson full in the eye. Gibson recedes.] 

Harry — Lay your hands on that lady. Captain Gib- 
son, and I'll throttle you. 

[Casy and Krouse in exclamation.] 

Casy and Krouse — Colonel Mortimer, we met at 
Chancellors ville! 

Harry — Captain Gibson, I am here on my own home, 
where I came on the request of my dying father. 

Gibson — [Recovering himself.] Military laws. Colonel 
Mortimer, are rigid and inexorable, and are not to be 
affected by any sentimentality, no matter what ex- 
tenuating circumstances may be in the case. 

Harry — Military laws were made to be executed in 
their proper sense and spirit, but no laws, military or civil, 
were made to be used as the medium by which one man 
can carry out his personal spite or malice towards another. 

Gibson — Colonel Mortimer, I have no more to say. I 
tell you that you are an officer in the Rebel Army, found 
within the Federal lines, and I have to make you a prisoner 
and to bring you to headquarters at once. 



58 -OLE VIRGIN NY" 

Taylor — Mr. Gibson, your desire to bring him to 
headquarters at once is to have a hasty court martial and 
perhaps have him shot as a spy. 

Harry — Captain Gibson, you have the rules of war on 
your side, and from personal enmity, you are only too 
glad to carry them out to the letter of the law. My 
present condition shows what I endured to arrive at the 
bedside of my dying father, but I will ask no favors from 
you. 

Gibson — I'll have no more parley. Arrest this man 
Corporal Casy! 

Casy — [Looking defiantly at Gibson.] Under the cir- 
cumstances I refuse to lay my hands on that gallant man, 
if I have to be shot for it. A man that will take his hand- 
kerchief to bind the wound of a poor prisoner and then 
look out for his further care will never be insulted by 
Corporal Casy. 

Krouse — That's right. Krouse is right with you. 

Tilda — Dat Irishman is a good man, and dat Dutch- 
man is good too. I'll give him a whole dish of cream 
nex' time. 

Gibson — You know. Corporal Casy, that you are dis- 
obeying the orders of your superior officer and the result 
of such disobedience? 

Casy — Captain Gibson, you only outrank me in the 
chance of position. Not in merit. I will tell you wdien 
I did not disobey my superiors, it was at Chancellorsville, 
where you skulked. 

Krouse — I fought the same battles with Casy, and I 
defy you, too. 

Gibson — I am the commanding officer here, and will 
be obeyed. 

[Enter Hoivland.] 

HowLAND — Who said that you are the commanding 
officer here? 

Tilda — Now, he will git stung. 



"OLE VIRGIN NY" 59 

HowLAND — Captain Gibson, the district from Bowling 
Green to Port Royal and across the river to Port Conway 
is under my jurisdiction and command, and any officer 
who undertakes to make any move against my wishes 
will be put under arrest. [Howland advances and shakes 
Harry's hand. Both grasp each others hands ivith joy.] 

Howland — Harry, my friend, I am glad to see you. 

Gibson — Colonel Howland, are you not going to do 
your duty and arrest a Confederate officer found inside 
the Federal lines? 

Howland — Captain Gibson, duty is a word you forgot 
at Chancellorsville, but you invoke it here for a purpose 
that is enough to desecrate it. [Howland looks kindly at 
Mortimer.] Colonel Mortimer, I accept your word to 
remain on your own plantation, until you are. properly 
'exchanged or the war ends. Your treatment of my men 
and me after Chancellorsville, in having us exchanged as 
prisoners of war, I would repay with my life. [Looks at 
Gibson and soldiers.] Soldiers, you will report at once to 
your headquarters. 

Cast — Bravo, General Howland, you were always 
made of the right stuff. 

[Exit Gibson and soldiers.] 

Taylor — General Howland, this act will be ever en- 
graved on my heart. 

Crill — I think I will forgive all the Yankees on your 
account. 

Howland — I would indeed despise myself, ladies, if 
I did not see justice done to people I loved so well before 
this war. [Looking at Harry.] Harry, make yourself 
now at home in the old homestead. No guard will be 
stationed here to annoy you. Your word is sufficient for 
your old chum and friend. 

Crill — Mr. Howland, this act of chivalry and kind- 
ness will never be forgot. 

Taylor — Won't you come into the house and see the 
Judge before you leave? 



60 "OLE VIRGIN NY" 

Rowland — Certainly, by all means, Miss Taylor. 

Harry — Lester, could you not make this place your 
headquarters, instead of Port Royal? 

HowLAXD — I would gladly do so, but the illness of 
your father prevents it. 

Harry — Let us enter. Father will be delighted to 
see you. 

[Exit Howland, Grill, Harry and Taylor.] 
[Enter Eben and Tilda.] 

Eben — What strange things dis war am bringin' on. 
One time Mistah Howland was Massa Harry's prisoner 
and now Massa Harry am Mistah Rowland's prisoner and 
dat on his own plantation. If dis yere war keeps on, a 
man will be his own prisoner soon. 

Tilda — Didn't Mistah Howland done sting dat 
sneakin' Mistah Gibson? 

Eben — Didn't dat Irishman done talk to him, and dat 
little Dutchman, too. Ole woman we must treat dem 
two people good. 

Tilda — Didn't Miss Taylor sting Mistah Gibson? 

Eben — And for dat stingin' wife he done bring all dat 
trouble on Massa Harry, cause Miss Taylor before de war 
did love our young massa best. Dis old darky knows 
a heap. 

Tilda — 'Deed you've always been a wisdom husban'. 
[Enter Mr. Churchill.] 

Churchill — Eben, how are you? 

Eben — Very well, thank you, Mistah Churchill. Am 
'deed done pleased to see you. It hab been a long time 
since you was here. 

Churchill — Yes, Eben, war makes many changes. 
How is Judge Mortimer? 

Eben — He has been very ill, sah. Dey all say he will 
die, but it done grieve me to hear dem say it. 

Churchill — You are a faithful servant, Eben. 

Eben — I done love my both masters. 



"OLE VIRGINNY'' ^ 61 

Churchill — Eben, would you go with me to England, 
when this war ends, and act as my bodyservant? I am 
a very wealthy man and would pay you well. 

Eben — I done like you very much, Mistah Churchill, 
but my young massa would grieve if I w^ould go, and I 
would grieve too, to be away from my massa and ole 
Virginny. 

Churchill — If I would get your master's consent, 
would you go? 
^^ Eben — Dat I couldn't say, sah. 

[Enter Tilda before the last sente^ice.] 

Tilda — Don't you think your wife would grieve too, 
to see you go away, Eben? 

J Churchill — So you are married? 
^' Tilda — Certainly, we is married, sixteen years ago, 
and it was a marriage of love, too, wasn't it, Eben. 

Eben — 'Deed it was, Tilda. 

Tilda — Massa Jedge done bought me from Woodlawn, 
when Eben told him he loved me. 

Eben — 'Deed, kind ole Massa Jedge, did. 

Churchill — Eben, you're a faithful servant. I will 
see your old and young masters about getting their con- 
sent to let you go with me to England, should the war end 
soon. 

[Exit Eben and Tilda. Enter Harry. ^ 

Harry — Thrice welcome to Annandale, Mr. Churchill, 
[Advances and shakes his hands cordially.] 
. Churchill — My dear Mr. Mortimer. I heard of the 
Judge's illness in Washington, and through the influence 
of friends, I got letters indorsed which got me passports 
through the lines, and here I am to see my old and dear 
friends in Annandale once more. 

Harry — Many changes have taken place since you 
were here last, Mr. Churchill, and many strange things 
have been brought on by the Civil War. Here I am a 
prisoner on my own homestead, and more novel is the 
fact that Mr. Lester Howland, my college friend, whom 



62 ''OLE VIRGIN NY" 

you knew well, is the commanding Federal officer of the 
forces stationed in this vicinity, and at present he is my 
custodian, in fact, I am his prisoner of war. 

Churchill — Well, well, well, what wonderful beings 
you Americans are. Here you are in a Civil War, and 
you retain your friendship and show acts of chivalry 
towards each other that is enough to astonish the civilized 
world for its magnanimity. 

Harry — Such is the case at least between Mr. How- 
land and myself. 

Churchill — Mr. Mortimer, I want to ask a favor of 
you, and I will feel highly grateful to yourself and father 
if it can be granted. 

Harry — Name it, Mr. Churchill. 

Churchill — I have a great desire to engage the old 
slave Eben to act as my bodyservant and carry him to 
England, to show my friends there the wonderful slave 
whose fidelity to his old and young masters during the 
war has been the talk of this whole section of the country. 

Harry — Mr. Churchill, I will consult with father, and 
take the matter under consideration, but you know I am 
greatly attached to that old slave. He has been my 
advisor from early boyhood, but let us go in, Mr. Churchill, 
and see father. He will be pleased to see you. He has 
revived a little since I came back, but his hours and days 
are numbered I am afraid. 

[Exit Harry and Churchill. Enter Miss Taylor.] 

Taylor— Tilda! 

[Enter Tilda.] 

Tilda — Yes, mam. 

Taylor — Harry has company toda5^ and I hope you 
are well prepared for it. Mr. Howland is to dine with us. 

Tilda — 'Deed I am. Miss Taylor. I went over to 
Oakenbrow and brought back chicken and wine. 
[Exit Tilda. Enter Harry.] 

Harry — Ah ! My dear Hattie, this is a novel position 



"OLE VIRGINNY" 63 

to[,be in. When this war ends I will ask you to become 
my dearest wife. 

Taylor — Darling, nothing will please me better. 

Harry — I am sorry to say for our cause, the end is not 
far off, yet I would like to be with old "Uncle Bob" when 
the ship goes down. 

[Enter Howland, Casy, Krouse, Churchill and all.] 

HowLAND — [Advancing and shaking Harry's hand.] 
Harry, you are a free man. [Judge Mortimer, leaning on 
Eben's arm enters sloivly jrom door.] You can now pursue 
a peaceful and happy life on your old homestead. We 
can all go back to our happy homes. The war is over. 
General Lee has surrendered. [Harry hows his head, with 
Judge, Crill, Taylor and servants. Hoivland advances and 
slaps Harry on the shoulder.] 

HoW' LAND — There is no dishonor to the South.in Lee's 
surrender. The men who measured swords with him and 
fought against him for four years have nothing but admi- 
ration for the old Cavalier. It is only the skulker and 
stay-at-home who never met him in honest and open 
combat that will crow. His bold stand and bravery for 
four years is American valor, and is one of the jewels of 
American fortitude, bravery and chivalry. While ex- 
hibited in internal strife, it demonstrates to the entire 
world what metal there is in the American Republic. 
Civil War seems to be the inevitable and logical solution 
of making all nations great. Greece, the cradle of civili- 
zation, had to have her civil war to make her great. 
Rome, later, had to have her internal strife to make her 
the intellectual torch of the then civilized world, and to 
solidify her people to defy all nations. Next came the 
mighty empire of England who had two great civil con- 
flicts to make her the greatest empire of the known world 
today. So it will be with the American Republic. The 
present war that has just closed will only tend to knit 
together the American people. The sections will have 
a better understanding with each other in the future, so 



64 "OLE VIRGINNY'' 

it'will be one common cause, one common country and one 
flag. The posterity of the great American Republic will 
boast hereafter of the military genius of Lee and Jackson 
as they will of Grant, Sheridan and Sherman. 

Grill — Mr. Rowland, your speech makes me forgive 
all the Yankees, if they did steal my chickens. 

Harry — It is now all over and gone and I am fully 
resigned to the fate' decreed by Providence. Lester, I 
am in full spirit and accord with the philosophy of your 
noble sentiments, and accept them in the spirit they are 
given. [Judge Mortimer leaves Ehen and advances to the 
front of the group. Harry looks and exclaims.] 

Harry- — Why, father, you here? 

Judge — Mr. Howland, I have heard all of your speech 
and I say "Amen" to all. I took you for a noble man 
when I first set eyes on you, and your solid and unyielding 
friendship to my son and myself has stood the test of 
civil strife. Give me your noble hand. [Shake hands.] 
Miss Hattie, come here and let me place your hand in the 
grasp of my son's, and say to you that I want you to be 
his wife. [Harry and Miss Taylor grasp each other's 
hands.] Gentlemen and friends, I want you all to partake 
of the hospitality of old Annandale once more, before you 
leave this plantation. 

Casy — Krouse, what do you think of General Morti- 
mer? 

Krouse — Corporal, I knew he was the right stuff 
when he took out his handkerchief to bind your wound 
when we were prisoners. 

[End of act three.] 



"OLE VIRGIN NY" 65 

ACT IV. 

Scene, Annandale. Time, 1870. Enforced mortgage 
sale of Annandale. 

[Enter Gibson, gleefully.] 

Gibson — It is my turn now, Harry Mortimer, your 
wife will bend her proud head and you will ask the shelter 
of Annandale from Jim Gibson, whom you insulted and 
ordered off these grounds ten years ago. I hold a mort- 
gage on Annandale and intend to foreclose it this very 
day. Annandale, the historic homestead on the Rappa- 
hannock, whose hospitality before the war was known 
to the limits of this river is to pass into the possession of 
James Gibson. 

[Enter Tilda.] 

Tilda, Annandale will be my property before night. 
Tomorrow, I want you and the other negroes of this place 
to find other places, as I have provided for other help to 
take charge here. 

Tilda — Mistah Gibson, j^ou don't hab to tell dis ole 
black auntie dat. 8he was born on de nex' plantation of 
Woodlawn and her husban', Elben, was born here an' so 
was all de niggers dat was workin' here today, but as much 
as dey love de ole home, dey will follow Massa Harry and 
work for him till dey die, and you don't hab to tell dis 
yere chicken to go. Angels don't lib wid satan. [Sticks 
up her nose and flaunts her head on leaving.] 
[Enter Rowland.] 

Gibson — Why, Mr. Howland, you here? [Extends 
his hand.] 

Howland — [Refusing proffered hand.] It may be 
impolite for me to refuse an extended hand, but under 
the present circumstances, I decline to shake it. 

Gibson — Well, as you may, Mr. Howland. 

Howland — Mr. Gibson, I did not know that you were 
in the business of buying up mortgage sales, and especially 
a life long acquaintance and a man that has entertained 
you many and many a time at his old homestead. 



66 ''OLE VIRGINNY" 

Gibson — It is a matter of business, Mr. Rowland, 
and if I did not buy others would. 

Rowland — If they did, there is not a man living, I 
dare say, but yourself, that would not have granted Mr. 
Mortimer a six month's grace that he asked to redeem 
the home of his ancestors. It is hatred and revenge that 
rankles in your mind, Jim Gibson. Nothing more. 

Gibson — You can construe it as you may, Mr. How- 
land, but Annandale w^ill be sold at mortgage today. 

Rowland — Mr. Gibson, to save Mr. Mortimer the 
humiliation of losing his ancestral home will you not give 
me twenty days to pay off this mortgage. 

Gibson — No, sir. I will not. The amount is ten 
thousand and Annandale will be sold today to satisfy 
that claim. I will bid you good day, Mr. Rowland. 

Row^LAND— ^A very good day, Mr. Gibson. [Ironically.] 
[Exit Gibson and enter Harry.] 

Harry — Why, you here Lester? [Doth shake hands 
cordially.] 

Rowland — Yes, my boy. Why did you not tell me of 
your misfortune? I heard of it only three days ago. 
It was shown to me in the Boston Rerald where the 
famous King George homestead on the Rappahannock, 
known as Annandale, was to be sold today to satisfy a 
mortgage. 

Rarry — My pride would not allow me to inform j^ou, 
my noble friend. I did not want you to know that I 
should lose the home of my ancestors, that was left to me 
by my generous father, unencumbered by any mortgage, 
at the time of his death. I will tell you, Lester, what 
led up to the present mortgage, and that without coloring 
anything in my own favor. Father as you know, died 
in the fall of '65. People that were rich before the war 
down here were left poor after its close. I did very well 
from '65 to '68'. The negroes that left after the war, 
all came back to work for their young master, as they 
insisted calling me, no matter if they were free as they 



"OLE VIRGIN NY" 67 

claimed. A young planter's son, as I was, had no practical 
experience in the world. On one of my business trips, 
I met Jim Gibson at Baltimore, who came to my hotel 
and ingratiated himself into my feelings, by telling me 
that the end of the war should settle all personal enmities, 
and especially with people who were fast friends before 
it, as he claimed we were. I took him at his word and 
from that time, went into different speculations with 
him, of which he was the proposer. To briefly state to 
you, Lester, my whole dealings with that man finally 
culminated in the present mortgage that he has on 
Annandale, so now you know all. 

Rowland — Sorry, indeed, am I to hear of this, Harry. 

Harry — What touches me a great deal is the sym- 
pathetic look the old darkies on the plantation have on 
their faces when they see me, and I will confess to you 
that in the past three days I could not pass the grave of 
my father without thinking that I have committed a 
sacrilege, in allowing the resting place of my ancestors to 
pass into other hands, who will look upon the burying 
ground of the Mortimers as an intrusion. 

Jiow LAND ^-[Placing his hands over his eyes.] Harry 
this is too much. It has touched me to the heart. I 
asked this man Gibson for tw^enty-five days' time, to pay 
off this mortgage, but he haughtily refused. 

Harry — [Looking at Rowland.'] Lester, you are God's 
noblest son! 

How'LAND— Harry, are there any of your friends who 
can help you in this crisis? 

Harry — No, Lester, there is no help. My friends 
here on the Rappahannock feel for me and it pains them 
to see my misfortune, but they cannot do anything for 
me at present. 

How^land — What became of Eben, the old slave, 
that went away to England with that English gentleman? 

Harry — Don't speak of him, Lester, it pains me to 
ever think I let him go, and yet I am glad he is not here, 



68 "OLE VIRGIN NY" 

to see the loss of Annandale and the trouble of his young 
master, as it would kill him, Lester, my boy, let me tell 
you that old black slave had more influence over me in 
my boyhood days than you could imagine. Why I 
would not dare swear in his presence. What do you 
think? That faithful old darky sent me his earnings 
from England the first year, thinking I needed it to buy 
horses for work. However, I wrote ]\Ir. Churchill that 
Eben should send no more money, but keep it for him- 
self. It is now over a year since I heard from him. Mr. 
Churchill wrote me that the London papers had articles 
about his fidelity to my father during the war. 
[Enter Miss Taylor extending hands to Mr. Rowland.] 

Taylor — Ever faithful friend, in time of need, wel- 
come to our hearts, but not to Annandale. This evening 
it passes into other hands. 

Rowland — "A friend in need is a friend in deed," but 
what is the use of the quotation in this case, because the 
friend in deed cannot help the friend in need. 

Taylor — It is all the same, however, with you, Mr. 
Rowland. In sunshine or in rain, you are ever the same 
faithful friend to us. 

Howlaxd — Life has many turns. Mrs. Mortimer, but 
the honorable and noble will finally, in the end, turn into 
a haven of happiness. 

[Exit Mortimer, Howlajul and Taylor. Enter Tilda.] 

Tilda — Monroe, come here. [Mo7iroe enters and 
advances towards Tilda.] I never done like you, Monroe, 
since you run away from Annandale, from kind massa 
andbecamea Yankee sojer man, but as you done repented 
I'll forgib you. Do you believe in dreams? 

Monroe — I done hear ole Eben say dat dey often 
come true. 

Tilda — Hush! I want to tell you. I dreamed las' 
night dat I saw my ole husban', Eben, who was done 
coaxed away by dat Yankee EngUshman — I dreamed 
I saw him standin' dere yonder at de gate, wid his deacon's 



"OLE VIRGINNY'' 69 

coat on,— de one Massa Harry done brought from de 
North when he done come back and carried off all dem 
colleges. 

Monroe — Dat may be true, Tilda. 

Tilda — I have an instigation that he will come soon. 
[Exit Tilda and Monroe. Enter Sheriff and Gibson.] 

Sheriff — Mr. Gibson, I find in this tabulated itemized 
statement [Sheriff looks at paper] two things which are to 
be called off with Annandale, namely, the private riding 
horses of Mr. and Mrs. Mortimer. Do I understand that 
you wish me to call them off in the items of sale that goes 
with the plantation? 

Gibson — That is just what I want you to do, Sheriff. 

Sheriff— Allow me to say, Mr. Gibson, that I decline 
to do so. There is sentiment amongst us Virginians, and 
I assure you now, that there is a strong feeling on the 
Rappahannock against the enforced mortgage sale of 
Annandale, whereby it passes out of the hands of young 
Mortimer. You will be the sole bidder, which I think 
you already know, under the circumstances. 

Gibson— All right, Sheriff. I only wish to go through 
the process of law and record. You will be here at four 
o'clock to consumate the sale and transfer. 
[Exit Sheriff and Gibson.] 
[Enter Tilda.] 

Tilda— Monroe, has de boat come down from Balti- 
more, yet? 

Monroe— [7oicc inside.] Jes' got in five minutes 
ago, Tilda. 

[Exit Tilda.] 

[Enter Eben, soft singing in the background: "Carry 
Me Back to Ole Virginnij;' Eben sloidy, listening, wipes 
tears and stands at the gate leaning on cane, in deep thought.] 

Eben — Back in Annandale once more, in Ole Virginny 
where I was born. As I done come up de road I saw 
some darkies weepin'. I wonder if dere is anything 
gone wrong wid my young massa. I would done die 



70 "OLE VIRGIN NY" 

right here if he was dead. 'Deed it woidd be sorrowful 
after I done come back over de big ocean to make my 
young massa happy and to see my ole wife, Tilda, to find 
some trouble. How my heart did jump wid joy when 
de ole boat whistled for Port Conway, and a sight of de 
ole plantation came to my eyes again. Den I done weep 
for joy. It looks as if dere was something wrong about 
de place. Dem ole darkies in de field looked at me so 
strange as I passed by. Dey don't done know me. Dey 
think I am a Yankee nigger. [Looks at himself.] I done 
take off my fine English coat, dat kind Mr. Churchill gib 
me and put on my deacon's coat, de same one dat Massa 
Hai;ry done gib me, when he came back wid Mr. Rowland 
from de North, after winning all dem colleges. 

[Darkies heard singing mournful song. Eben listens 
at the gate, tvalking over the old judges' grave.] De good 
ole Massa Jedge's grave. Massa, ole Eben done come 
back. De I^awd done put it in my heart. I could not 
stay away any longer. I came back to look at your grave, 
and put flowers on it till I die. [Looks around him, again.] 
I feel it in my heart dat dere am something wrong. I 
wonder if my ole wife, Tilda, am in de house. 

[Enter Tilda, looking to left over field.] 

Tilda — You Monroe, get all dem things packed up 
to take over to Oakenbrow tomorrow to Harry's avmt. 
Miss Crill am goin' to take care of us darkies until Massa 
Harry is able to git us some work. Don't leave anything 
on de plantation for dat ole debbil Mistah Gibson to have. 
[Looking to right and seeing Ehen.] For de Lawd's sake! 
Am I dreamin'? Is dis night or is it day? Dere is my 
dream yonder sure. Am dat you Eben? 

Eben — Why, Tilda, don't you organize me in my 
deacon's coat? 

[Tilda comes down and rushes towards him.] 

Tilda — De Lawcl be praised, it is you, husban'. 



"OLE VIRGIN NY" 71 

Eben — [They embrace.] What's happened, Tilda? 
Everything looks so mournful. Dem darkies in de field 
all has bowed heads. 

Tilda — What has happened? Don't ask me, Eben, 
Poor Massa Harry and Missie's heart done broken. Dey 
mus' leave Annandale. Dat ole satan man, Mistah 
Gibson, dat never did like Massa Harry, done got what 
de white folks call a mortgage, and he buys Annandale 
dis day, for ten thousand dollars, which Massa Harry 
owes him, and Annandale will have to be given up to him 
unless dis money am paid. Gibson tole all of us niggers 
dat we mus' leave de plantation tomorrow, as he says 
he don't want any of Massa Harry's people on de place. 

Eben — Tilda, I am now a scripture man. Dey been 
readin' de Bible to me in England. Dat man Mr. Gibson 
done hate Massa Harry and Miss Taylor j^ears ago. Listen 
woman! Did you say dat Massa Harry hab to git ten 
thousand dollars or be put off Annandale before night? 

Tilda — Yes, dat's de truf. Mr. Howland done come 
down and dey all feel very bad about poor massa's mis- 
fortune, but Eben, my husban', when I saw Massa Harry 
early dis mornin' cryin' over dere over his father's grave, 
an' askin' his forgiveness, I done then broke down and 
w^ent into de kitchen and done wept mj^self for two hours. 
[Eben rises up and looks solemn.] 

Eben — Before dis black ole nigger will see one tear 
on his young massa's eye, he will die first, and when he 
dies, he will die here in Annandale on the place where 
he was born. Tilda, my wife, don't you tell anyone I 
done come back. Listen to me, woman, and don't do it. 
Not even Massa Harry. Do you hear me, Tilda? 

Tilda — Yes, Eben. 

Eben — I am going down to de wharf to see one of my 
young massa's friends. [Exit Eben.] 

Tilda — I declar! He looked so strange at me, when 
he heard of Massa Harry losing Annandale. 
[Exit Tilda. Enter Gibson.] 



72 "OLE VIRGIN NY" 

Gibson — Little did you think, Mrs. Mortimer, that 
on that July day in 1860, when you declined the suit of 
Jim Gibson, that you would one day ask his indulgence 
for one day's grace on this sale of Annandale. 
[Enter Taylor bowing coldly.] 

Taylor — Mr. Gibson, I came to ask for the postpone- 
ment of the sale two days, until Mr. Mortimer hears from 
his friends in Richmond. 

Gibson — Mrs. Mortimer, since the day you proudly 
repulsed my suit on this very spot and Mr. Mortimer 
ordered me off this plantation, have I desired to be pos- 
sessed of it. The opportunity has presented itself, and I 
have taken advantage of it; no more, no less. It is my 
turn now to dictate, and I will say that I will not give 
one hour's grace, from the time stipulated^ by the terms 
of the mortgage. [Tilda looks on at distance.] 

Taylor — Mr. Gibson, it is the right of any lady to 
accept or decline a proffer of marriage, extended to her 
by any man, and the man who would seek revenge for 
years because he was refused should be held in contempt 
by any honorable person. The opportunities which you 
speak of whereby you got the present mortgage on 
Annandale were opportunities created by yourself, and 
that by the most dishonorable methods. Under the 
guise of enforced friendship, you led my husband into 
speculations that were a loss to him and a gain to yourself. 
His mind was too lofty and his noble nature too unsus- 
pecting to detect the pitfalls and traps that you led him 
into by intrigue and deceit. So those were the oppor- 
tunities that you maliciously created so you could ruin 
him financially and then crush and humiliate him by 
artfully and dishonorably getting the present mortgage 
on Annandale. I will tell you to your face that your 
present act in foreclosing the mortgage on his ancestral 
home is prompted only for mercenary and malicious 
purposes, and not altogether on my refusal of your proffer 
of marriage some years ago. Your first motive was 



''OLE VIRGIN NY" 73 

mercenary that you might get Annandale for one-fifth 
of its real value, and maliciously because you wanted to 
see Mr. Mortimer humiliated. Let this be our last inter- 
view, for a man so unprincipled as you would polute the 
very atmosphere that you inhale. 
[Exit Taylor.] 

Tilda — Done stung him dis time worse dan ebber. 

Gibson— Within one hour Annandale will be mine, 
and all others then will be intruders. 

[Enter Sheriff and citizens, etc. Miss Crill passes 
Gibson, putting up her nose in scorn, then turns.] 

Crill— So, Mr. Gibson, this is your gratitude towards 
the people whose hospitality you accepted hundreds of 
times in this section of King George, but I shouldn't 
expect any more from one that acted a coward on the 
field of battle. 

Gibson — [Smiling.] So it is you. Miss Crill. 
[Darkies come in rear, looking downcast.] 

Sheriff — Mr. Gibson, do you want this sale posi- 
tively to start at four o'clock? 

Gibson — Positively on that time, sir. 

HowLAND — Mr. Gibson, what consideration would 
you ask to postpone this sale of Annandale till tomorrow? 

Gibson — Mr. Howland, at the hour of four, the sale 
shall begin, which is now within five minutes of the time. 
[Looks at his watch.] 

HowLAND — Let me tell you, sir, this act of yours is a 
satire and an irony on the friendship of man. 

Gibson — Thank you, Mr. Howland. Sheriff, you 
will begin and consumate the transfer of property 
according to the terms of the mortgage. 

Sheriff — [Addressing all.] I assure you, gentlemen, 
that this is a very painful duty for me. I have known 
the Mortimers from boyhood, but I thought that this was 
a duty I would never have to perform. 
[Darkies with handkerchiefs to their eyes and bowed heads.] 

Ladies and Gentlemen, I offer for sale the beautiful 



74 "OLE VIRGIN NY" 

land and plantation, known from both ends of the Rappa- 
hannock as Annandale, the once famous, hospitable 
mansion of the Mortimers. The area or limits of Annan- 
dale is one and a half miles long and one mile wide. {Sheriff 
luipes his eyes and hesitates.] This famous property was 
a gift from the King of England to Henry Mortimer, the 
original owner, settler and head of the family. It has 
passed from sire to son to the present owner, Henry 
Mortimer. [Harry weeps in his ivife's bosom. Rowland 
advances to Gibson.] 

Rowland — Man, have you any heart? 

Gibson — [Smiliiig.] Proceed Sheriff. 

Sheriff — This land is to be sold today to satisfy or 
pay off a mortgage of ten thousand dollars which is held 
by James Gibson, of Cumberland County, Maryland. If 
the amount of the mortgage is not paid before the stipu- 
lated time, according to the long terms of the mortgage, 
I'll be compelled to go through the painful duty of trans- 
ferring the famous homestead to the mortgagee, James 
Gibson. [Sheriff looks at his ivatch.] It is now within 
ten minutes of the time to close the transfer. I will call 
aloud and ask if there is anyone of Mr. Mortimer's friends 
who can come forw^ard to pay the amount of ten thousand 
dollars, which is the amount of the mortgage to save the 
once seat of chivalry, Annandale. 

[Enter Eben through the crowd.] 

Eben — Yes, sail. [Holds check in his hands. All ex- 
claim: "Eben the old slave."] Yes, sah, Eben the old 
slave am here, and have de money to save his young massa 
and Annandale. [Cheers from all the darkies.] Here, 
Massa Harry, is de money, [Harry takes it] dat was done 
gib to me as a present to you by dat good Englishman, 
who carried me away and died a year ago. I done grieved 
for home, and when I got here today to my old plantation 
I done hear of my young massa's trouble. I am happy 
now, and willing to die right at my young massa's feet. 
[Cheers from all the darkies.] 



"OLE VIRGIN NY'' 75 

Harry — [Handing money to Hoivland.] Lester, here 
is the money, pay the mortgage. I am too happy at 
present to talk. 

Rowland — What a providential intervention! [Ad- 
vances to Sheriff and gives him the money.] 

Sheriff — The happiest moment of my life! 

HowLAND — I will take up the mortgage, Sheriff. 
[Sheriff takes money and hands him mortgage jjayers.] 

Sheriff — Mr. Gibson, will you come forward and 
take the money and sign? [Gibson signs and takes money. 
Tilda advances towards Gibson.] 

Tilda — You can keep all dem Yankee niggers up in 
Maryland, dat you was goin' to bring down here. I don't 
think we will leave Annandale tomorrow. 

HowLAND — I hope you are satisfied now, Mr. Gibson, 
and the hour of five o'clock that you were to give Mr. 
Mortimer to pay off the mortgage will also relieve this 
happy homestead of your infectious presence. 

Gibson — I will bid you all a happy good day. 
[Exit Gibson.] 

Harry — Rise, Eben, rise. When you die, your heart 
should be taken from your body, embalmed and set aside 
in a glass jar, and placed in a room of Annandale as one 
of the holiest relics of the Mortimers. 

Taylor — Eben your love for your young master and 
home, will be one of the grandest traditions of Virginia 
and your fidelity will be ever revered by this plantation. 

[All darkies now advance to shake Eben's hand amid 
great enthusiasm. Eben starts when shaking hands with 
the last darky.] 

Eben — What! You here, Monroe? After you ran 
away from massa during de war, and joined dem Yankee 
sojer men. You ought to be up in Baltimore or Washing- 
ton, wid dem crap bone gamblers. 

Tilda — Eben, he done repented. 

Eben — Has he gone to de mourner's bench? 

Tilda — He has, husban'. 



76 "OLE VIRGINNY" 

Eben — Den, I forgib him, 

Harry — When old Eben tells us of the kindness and 
death of Mr. Churchill and his noble act, we will hear once 
more some of the old songs of Annandale, to memorize 
this day of ecstacy and joy. 

Crill — Go on, Eben. 

Eben — Massa Harry and friends am now born over 
again. When I- done leave Ole Virginny I done grieved 
great deal. Mister Churchill cheered me up by reading 
letters from Massa Harry and Annandale. De people in 
England treated me very nice and put my picture in de 
paper as de faithful old slave. One day Mr. Churchill 
took sick and de doctor man brought me to his room, 
Mr. Churchill looked very bad and said he did not expect 
to live but that he had left a gift for my young massa 
that would be given to me by de lawyer man. He said 
he knew I don grieved for home and should go back when 
he died. Next day Mr. Churchill don died and the lawyer 
man done give me the check which I don brought to you 
and here I am back home again with my young massa in 
Virginny dat I never want to leave no more. 

Harry — And you never will leave again, Eben. Let 
the old songs be sung. 

[curtain.] 



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